HC Deb 04 May 1995 vol 259 c312W
24. Mr. Sutcliffe

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to change the quarantine regulations concerning the entry of animals into the United Kingdom. [20960]

Mrs. Browning

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-mare (Sir J. Wiggin) on 25 January 1995,Official Report, column 216.

Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures will be taken to inspect Spanish fishing boats entering the Irish box area for the first time next year. [20937]

Mr. Jack

Spanish vessels operating in the UK's section of the Irish box will be liable to fair and vigorous inspection by the Royal Navy as are all other fishing vessels found within British fishery limits. The resources necessary to ensure effective enforcement will be reviewed in the light of the final agreement on the detailed rules for this fishery.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to date to his Department of the appeal to the European Court regarding the legitimacy of the days at sea restrictions contained in the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992. [20956]

Mr. Jack

The legal proceedings in question were initiated by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, not the Government. Liability for costs will depend on the outcome of the case. It is not therefore possible to give meaningful figures for the cost to MAFF of defending this action until final judgment.