§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to limit the discussions on the common fisheries policy at the forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference to the subject of "quota hopping" or whether they will also seek to ensure that the following topics are discussed: the sustainability over time of the various fish stocks and the food chains of which they form part; the social and economic conditions of fishing communities; and the proper formulation and enforcement of regulations including those governing the extent of fishing permitted and the management of by-catches.
Lord LucasThe existing regulations concerning the common fisheries policy address the issues of the sustainability of fish stocks, the environmental impact of fishing, the socio-economic circumstances of fishing communities and enforcement of the various quota and conservation regulations. Improvements to the arrangements can generally be addressed by appropriate changes to these regulations. Where treaty changes are needed, the Intergovernmental Conference will be the appropriate forum.