HC Deb 13 April 1999 vol 329 cc215-6W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he authorised the appearance of officials on the BBC2 programme "Dead Fish Patrol" on 22 March; and if the views expressed reflect Government policy. [79308]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 29 March 1999]: We receive many requests from the media to observe and film the activities relating to fisheries enforcement. In the interests of openness, we agree to these requests where we can and did so in this case. The programme was a "fly-on-the-wall" documentary and showed fishermen and enforcement officers going about their business and speaking frankly. Government policy is to enforce the fisheries management rules effectively. This is in the interests of those fishermen who obey the rules. It helps to protect the value of the investment which all fishermen have in the industry and in securing the longer term sustainability of the industry. The remarks by fisheries inspectors recorded in the film demonstrated a high level of commitment to implementing the management rules which is a difficult task, often undertaken in demanding circumstances. Regrettably, the film also showed evidence of how necessary the task is. Fisheries Inspectors do an important job, vital to the running of the fishing industry, and deserve our full support.