HC Deb 27 October 1999 vol 336 cc922-3W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his position regarding the renegotiation of a fisheries agreement with Morocco; what is the estimated cost of the deal; how many(a) United Kingdom and (b) other EU vessels will be affected; and if he will make a statement. [95294]

Mr. Morley

The UK will be aiming to ensure that any new agreement that can be negotiated with Morocco offers value for money, contains costs, promotes sustainable stock management and is coherent with developmental policies for Morocco. We would not expect the cost to be more than the cost of the existing agreement (125m euros p.a.).

Around 500 vessels from Spain, Portugal, France and Greece fish in Moroccan waters under the current agreement. No UK vessels are affected.