§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received for the creation of exclusion prohibition areas against a directed sandeel fishery on(a) Dogger Bank, (b) off Shetland and (c) in the south-west mackerel box; and what proposals he has for introducing this.
§ Mr. CurryI am considering representations from the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations. Sandeel fishing is not permitted at present off Shetland. Small mesh fishing in the south west mackerel box is for species such as horse mackerel for human consumption as well as possible industrial end uses. The EC Commission has undertaken to present a report on industrial fishing before 1 September 1992. We will seek to progress any action on this report during our Presidency of the Community.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received for the establishment of a total allowable catch for sandeels; and what proposals he has to introduce this.
§ Mr. CurryThe most recent representation is from the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations. Sandeels are naturally a very short-lived species and it is not possible to set realistic total allowable catches by the usual procedures. Currently limits are set by licence for the west coast of Scotland or a quota arrangement between the EC and Norway.