§ Mr. TownendTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will define the method of application of the principle of relative stability(a) from 1983 to 2002 and (b) from 2003 onwards. [24983]
§ Mr. MorleyThe purpose of relative stability is to maintain the percentage share of total allowable catches which each Member State receives although, in the case of stocks covered by Hague Preference, the percentage shares can be adjusted when total allowable catches fall below predetermined levels. Relative stability has taken this form since 1983. It will continue in this way from 2003 unless the Council of Ministers decides otherwise.
§ Mr. TownendTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the principle of relative stability was established; and by which Article in which Regulation and under which Article in which Regulation the principle is presently established. [24984]
§ Mr. MorleyThe principle of relative stability in the allocation of fishing quotas under the Common Fisheries Policy was given effect in 1983 by Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 170/83. Relative stability is currently applied by virtue of Article 8 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3760/92.