European Fisheries Council (Hansard, 26 November 1996)

§ Mr. Baldry

I represented the United Kingdom al the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Brussels on 22 November together with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Scottish Office and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office.

136W

I again made it clear that the UK could not contemplate significant further reductions in its fleet without the issue of quota hoppers being resolved. I also reiterated the need for our performance under MAGP III to be correctly assessed and presented.

Following its inconclusive debate in October on the Commission's multi-annual guidance proposals—MAGP IV—the Council considered a presidency compromise aimed at meeting the concerns expressed by member states. Most felt that the compromise provided a basis for further work, but that considerable analysis and discussion would be needed before conclusions could be drawn.

The Council concluded that work on the presidency compromise would continue with a view to reaching a decision before the end of the year if possible.

On satellite monitoring, I supported the constructive approach taken by the presidency in producing a text which addressed our key concerns, in particular in exempting smaller vessels operating within 12 miles of the coast. I also put to the Council a suggestion from industry for synchronising implementation with new rules by the International Maritime Organisation relating to the global maritime distress and safety system; and I emphasised the need to use the advent of satellite monitoring to reduce the existing regulatory burden. Several member states continued to have difficulties on a variety of points and the presidency concluded that the Council would have to return to the issue at a later date.

The Council unanimously adopted fish prices for 1997.

The Commission also presented a report on the monitoring of third country vessels in Community waters which the Council noted.