§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether a British fisherman who purchases track record/quota from another British fisherman will at the same time acquire a legal title to it in perpetuity. [HL1446]
§ Lord DonoughueQuota allocations are issued to the UK fishing industry each year at the discretion of Ministers, who presently have regard to the fishing track record associated with the fishing vessel licences held by fishermen belonging to producer organisations and other groups. Fishermen may sell or purchase licence entitlements but such transaction do not confer a legal title either to the licences or to the track record or quota180WA associated with them, and subsequent issue of any licence is subject to ministerial discretion.
Quota may also be transferred between producer organisations or other groups on an annual basis. Each transaction is subject to ministerial approval.