§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the answer of 14 February,Official Report, column 586, what compensation has been negotiated for fish exporters for loss of business and dislocation of orders due to action by French fishermen.
§ Mr. JackThe compensation available under French law from the French regional authorities relates to direct and substantiable losses. We have secured the assurance of the French Government that such claims will be paid, and744W the Fisheries Departments will assist all operators in a position to mount claims which are arguably in this category to submit and pursue them with the relevant authorities. Our policy has been to minimise indirect losses not covered by these arrangements, by making it very clear to the French authorities that we require them to ensure that legitimate trade can go ahead. We have also reactivated the arrangements set up last year for police protection to be provided on arrival in France upon pre-notification of arrival arrangements, via the Fisheries Departments, to the French authorities.