§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) with which EU member states he has discussed the prospect of zonal/regional fisheries management; and what interpretation of this management he has used in these discussions; [96879]
(2) when he last met his opposite numbers in other EU member states to discuss the prospect of zonal or regional management of fisheries waters. [96880]
§ Mr. MorleyI regularly discuss regional aspects of Common Fisheries Policy management with my opposite numbers in other EU member states. In all those contacts I have made clear the need to enhance the regional dimension of the CFP through increased involvement of the stake holders in the management process; greater focus on management problems on a regional specific fishery basis; closer links between fishermen and scientists; and the ability to act rapidly when confronted with conservation emergencies affecting a particular fishery.