§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Yorkshire (Mr. Townend) of 17 March 1998,Official Report, column 539, for what reasons the derogation in respect of the 6 and 12 miles limits will continue after 2002; and if he will list those Governments who have indicated they do not support extension. [55401]
§ Mr. MorleyIt is clear that other Member States share our interest in protecting inshore fleets and therefore value the restrictions on access within 6 and 12 mile limits. None has indicated that it will not support the continuation of these provisions beyond 2002 and the European Commission has confirmed that it expects them to be maintained. There was unanimous agreement the last time they were renewed in 1992.