§ Mr. SykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from east coast fishermen regarding the importation of cheap fish from Russia, Norway and Iceland. [24152]
§ Mr. JackI regularly consult producers' interests on the question of imports from outside the European Union 317W and this was one of the issues raised with me by fishermen's leaders on my recent visit to Tynemouth earlier this month. Subsequent to that, I have not heard directly on this matter from east coast fishermen.
§ Mr. SykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will impose quota restrictions on the importation of cheap fish from Russia, Norway and Iceland. [24151]
§ Mr. JackMechanisms already exist within European Union legislation to take action against imports from outside the EU where they can be shown to be having a disruptive effect on the market over a period of time. Unqualified restrictions on imports would serve only to prevent UK processors from obtaining the raw material supplies that they need to maintain the range of fish products available to the consumer. I believe that there is scope for better communication within the industry to help match supply and demand. I hope shortly to call a meeting of interested parties to explore the issue further.