§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on how and when552W he will be implementing his plans to safeguard Britain's fishing industry from the effects of quota hoppers. [25456]
Dr. John Cunningham[holding answer 26 January 1998]: I am currently awaiting the Commission's views on detailed proposals for ensuring that all British registered fishing vessels maintain a real economic link with those populations in the UK dependent upon fisheries and related industries. Those proposals are based on a consultation paper issued in July 1997 and subsequent discussions with all sectors of the fishing industry. Once the Commission's views are known, an announcement will be made on the way forward.