HC Deb 04 November 1996 vol 284 c314W
Ms Walley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the commercial value of the basking shark fishery as assessed under the EC-Norwegian exchange agreement. [1151]

Mr. Baldry

Norway has a 100 tonne basking shark liver quota. No assessment of the commercial value of the fishery has been made. However, as nothing was taken in 1991, 1992, 1994 or 1995 and only 5.8 tonnes in 1993, the value is not likely to be great.

Ms Walley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the fisheries for basking sharks in United Kingdom waters. [1150]

Mr. Baldry

The Government are not aware of any current fishery for basking sharks in United Kingdom waters.