§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the number of fishing vessels that have been granted an authorisation covering the October to December period to suction-dredge for cockles in(a) the 48W North Wales and North West England Sea Fisheries Committee area and (b) elsewhere in Wales, if he will specify the catch limits and other harvesting conditions imposed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesSuch matters are the responsibility of sea fisheries committees. I understand that the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee has issued 10 authorisations to suction dredge for cockles on Lavan sands for a limited period and that these are the only authorisations which have been issued in Wales.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had and what representations he has received in relation to the issuing of authorisations for cockle fishing by suction dredging in Traeth Lafan in Conwy bay.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesI have received one letter from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to use his powers under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to issue an order banning the suction dredging of cockles in the Traeth Lafan area of the Conwy bay site of special scientific interest and special protection area.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesNone.