Lobsters and Crawfish

HL Deb 29 March 1999 vol 599 cc23-4WA

Lord Hardy of Wath

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have received from shellfish interests about measures to protect lobsters and crawfish. [HL1654]

Lord Donoughue

Some shellfishermen have urged very strongly that stocks need protection through a national UK ban on the landing of V-notched lobsters being introduced at as early a date as possible. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Secretary has, therefore, decided that legislation to extend the ban to the whole of the UK should be brought forward as soon as practicable. It already exists in Northern Ireland. The opportunity will also be taken to regulate the landing of V-notched crawfish.

Other measures, as referred to in my Answer to my noble friend Lady Hilton of Eggardon (Official Report, col. WA 137) are linked to changes in EU rules which will be coming into effect on 1 January 2000, and, as already announced, it is preferable for them to take place at the same time.