§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are currently being undertaken by his Department to ensure that the common fisheries policy takes environmental protection fully into account.
§ Mr. CurryWe have already endorsed the view expressed in the Commission's recent report on the common fisheries policy, which is forming the basis of the mid-term review of that policy, that environmental aspects of fisheries should be taken into account. The discussion on future action under the CFP is still in progress.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to press for the amendment of the common fisheries policy to ensure that all decisions taken under the policy take into account the prevention of effects on ecosystems and marine wildlife.
§ Mr. CurryI agree that the common fisheries policy should take into account effects of fishing on the marine environment and whilst the CFP is primarily based on article 43 of the original treaty of Rome, Fisheries Ministers now must have regard to article 130R of the revised treaty which provides for the consideration of environmental matters.