§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they propose to take on the regulation of the Scottish herring fishing industry as a result of the recent decision at Lerwick Sheriff Count that it is unlawful to ban a boat from fishing both in western waters, west of the four degree line and in the North Sea, east of the four degree line, on the same fishing trip. [HL2947]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (Lord Sewel)Fisheries departments do not accept that they have acted in contravention of EU law and an appeal against the decision has been lodged. The existing licensing arrangements for herring fisheries will continue to apply, and be enforced, until the outcome of the appeal is known.