§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland about a permanent agreement on fish quota swaps; and if he will make a statement. [27151]
§ Mr. JackI have had no discussions with my opposite number in the Republic of Ireland about a permanent agreement on fish quota swaps. A permanent agreement would risk undermining the principle of relative stability. Agreement on fish quota swaps is reached, however, on a year-by-year basis in the light of prevailing fishing opportunities.