§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the UN Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995) with the provisions of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement. [83400]
§ Mr. MorleyThe UN Food and Agriculture Organisation's Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries is a voluntary instrument which sets out a general framework of principles and standards aimed at ensuring the responsible conservation, management and development of fisheries. It is a wide-ranging document covering the capture, processing and marketing of fish and fish products, aquaculture, fisheries research and the integration of fisheries into coastal state management. The European Community is committed to ensuring that the Common Fisheries Policy, which aims to promote responsible fisheries management and the conservation of fish stocks, is fully compatible with the relevant provisions of the Code.