§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to change his proposals for the possible extension of SFC jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryYes. Following detailed consultations with all interested parties and after consideration of the views expressed, the Secretary of State for Wales and I have decided that, in order to enable sea fisheries committees to regulate those stocks, notably shellfish, which are predominantly fished within 0 to 6 mile belt, we are in principle ready to see the jurisdiction of SFCs extended to include waters out to six miles from United Kingdom baselines. It is now for SFCs and the constituent Councils to decide whether to seek extension of their jurisdiction.
If an SFC's jurisdiction is extended, its existing byelaws will continue to apply only within the 0 to 3 mile belt. Any new byelaws intended to apply in the 3.6 mile belt will be considered on their merits in the usual way.