§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made concerning the scheme of fishing permits proposed for adoption after 2002. [9662]
§ Mr. BaldryCouncil regulations 3760/92 and 1627/94 already provide the framework for Community licence and permit systems to enable member states to regulate fishing activities. These are the basis of the detailed measures in western waters introduced on 1 January 1996. The UK industry is therefore already familiar with these arrangements, which involves licences issued by UK fisheries Departments. The Government would reject any proposals to take away such national responsibilities and introduce a single EU fishing fleet managed and policed from Brussels.