HC Deb 19 February 1998 vol 306 cc820-1W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will institute an appeals system for fishermen dissatisfied with their days at sea allocation. [30428]

Mr. Morley

No, such a system would not be relevant to the present situation. In discussions with the fishing industry, the Government have invited Producer Organisations in the beam trawl and pelagic segments to manage their own fishing effort to meet MAGP IV targets.

Under these arrangements, it will be for Producer Organisations themselves to determine the basis on which this is done. I shall be announcing further details shortly.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will permit beam trawlers operating in Area 7 to fish for non-pressure stocks when their annual days at sea allocation has been exhausted; and if he will make a statement.[30427]

Mr. Morley

No. The effort allocations for the beam trawl segment in 1998, further details of which I shall be announcing shortly, apply to all fishing activity by the vessels concerned.