§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact on employment of the policy of ensuring an economic link between quota hoppers and populations dependent on fisheries and related industries. [84529]
§ Mr. MorleyIt is too early to make such an assessment, as under the arrangements announced in July 1998 vessel owners will have until July 2000 to let us know which of the available options they intend to use to demonstrate an economic link. One of those options requires 50 per cent. of the crew to be normally resident in a UK coastal area and would, if used, have a direct impact upon employment opportunities for British fishermen. Other options include either the landing of fish at UK ports or the purchase of goods and services here, either of which may impact indirectly upon onshore employment opportunities. Some early indications suggest an increase in landings at UK fishing ports and the offer of fish quota for the use of the inshore sector. These measures should have beneficial effects on employment in fisheries related sectors.