HL Deb 08 July 1997 vol 581 cc75-6WA
Lord Lucas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they expect that further reductions will be made in the UK fishing fleet under the Multi-Annual Guidance Programme before 2002; and, if so, whether they are able to compel "quota hoppers" to accept their proportionate part of any such reductions.

Lord Donoughue

Although the European Commission has still to take final decisions on the reduction targets for individual Member States' Multi-Annual Guidance Programmes in the light of the rates agreed by the Council in April, it is clear that there will have to be further reductions in UK fishing effort in order to comply. Discussions are continuing with the industry on our implementation plans and the position will vary as between different fleet segments. But within segments all vessels will be subject to the same requirements.