§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 3 March 1998,Official Report, column 598, on the fishing industry, what estimate he has made of the levels of employment in the inshore United Kingdom fisheries industry which would be sustainable on (i) extension and (ii) lapse of derogation on the 12 mile fisheries limit after 2002. [33965]
§ Mr. MorleyIn 1996 there were some 5,600 under 10 metre vessels in the UK fishing fleet. Many of these and other inshore vessels would be adversely affected if the restrictions on access by foreign fishing vessels within 12 mile limits were not extended beyond 2002. The Government have not made estimates of possible future changes in the levels of employment. The restrictions were continued after the mid-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy in 1982. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 3 March 1998,Official Report, column 598, it is the Government's firm intention for these restrictions to remain after 2002.
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 2 March 1998,Official Report, column 496, if he will raise each of the fishing measures listed at the next Council of Ministers meeting. [34861]
§ Mr. MorleyThe future of the Common Fisheries Policy after 2002 is not on the agenda of the next meeting of the Fisheries Council. Such matters are, however, expected to be relevant to the following meeting.