§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the defence his officials will be employing in the European Court of Justice in the case brought by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations against the Government's days at sea restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [16371]
§ Mr. JackIt would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the oral hearing due to take place in Luxembourg on 29 March. The positions of both parties will, however, be a mater of public record in the reports of proceedings and, ultimately, the judgment of the court.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to abandon the defence of the days at sea restrictions in the European Court of Justice in the case being brought by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations; and if he will make a statement. [16370]
§ Mr. JackThe action in question was initiated by the NFFO by way of judicial review in the United Kingdom courts of certain measures adopted by Parliament. It was subsequently referred to the European court for a ruling on the interpretation of EU law. In the circumstances, the Government are obliged to respond and explain their position. It is, however, open to the applicants to discontinue the proceedings at any stage.