HC Deb 31 January 1995 vol 253 cc644-5W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study he has made of Norwegian methods of access control and discipline in respect of foreign fishing vessels into Norwegian waters; and if he will make it his policy to introduce similar measures in British waters and to press for their acceptance by the EEC as a common standard.

Mr. Jack

Norwegian fisheries management procedures were extensively considered during Norway's accession negotiations. Within the EU, Council regulation (EEC) No. 2847/93 provides the framework for the effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of the common fisheries policy. At the December Fisheries Council, it was agreed that further control measures should he adopted for western waters including provisions relating to the communication of vessel movements—hailing in and out—and the declaration of catch, to both flag and coastal states. These provisions are similar to those in force in certain Norwegian fisheries.