§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the proposed agenda for the 1995 North Sea ministerial conference, indicating in respect of each agenda item whether or not a draft declaration has been prepared; and whether an annexe of detailed follow-up actions will be included or is being prepared;
(2) whether the North Sea ministerial declaration on fisheries is to include an annexe outlining detailed actions on fisheries, including the control of industrial fishing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsI have been asked to reply.
The agenda for the fourth international conference for the protection of the north sea, to be held in Esbjerg, Denmark next June, will be determined by those participating in the light of the work being done by officials at the various preparatory meetings. It is too early yet to say what the agenda will be, but it seems likely that the effect of fisheries on the marine environment will be included, in view of the recommendations on this subject 1034W in the quality status report on the North sea published last March. The declaration that can be expected to result from the conference will be determined by the Ministers participating in it: it is therefore too early to forecast what form it will take, as much preparatory work remains to be done.