§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had about cockle fishing by Dutch boats in the Solway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangUnder EC legislation, fishing within the zero to six-mile zone of United Kingdom territorial waters is permitted only for United Kingdom-registered fishing vessels. Cockle fishing in the Solway takes place only within this zone. No reports have been received of fishing boats not registered in the United Kingdom taking part in the cockle fishery.
I have just received a scientific assessment of the Solway firth cockle stock which recommended that conservation measures were necessary to protect that stock. This is of concern to me and I have issued today a consultation paper proposing a seasonal closure of the fishery during the first half of the year. This can be introduced by order under section 1 of the Inshore Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1984 and would limit fishing vessel activity. I am aware that land-based dredges pulled by tractors fish for cockles as well. On shore, local authorities have the power to promote byelaws to control the use of vehicles including tractors, on the foreshore. My officials have written to them today, drawing their attention to these powers.