§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to verify the size of fishing fleet claims of other member states of the European Union, where such claims have an effect on the size of the fleet the United Kingdom is permitted to run under EU rules; and if he will make a statement. [17091]
§ Mr. JackEach member state has agreed binding multi-annual guidance programme targets. Responsibility for compliance with these targets and the enforcement of Community regulations and verification of the data supplied by member states is the responsibility of the Commission.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food if he will discuss with his Spanish counterpart and with the European Fisheries Commissioner the regulations of the common fisheries policy governing declarations of fishing boat engine size; and if he will make a statement. [17092]
§ Mr. JackResponsibility for ensuring compliance with Community regulations rests with the Commission. However, my officials are drawing the recent press reports on these matters to the attention of the Commission. Evaluation of effort is sometimes discussed in the Council when all member states can contribute to the proceedings.