§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the appearance of Russian blue water vessels off Rockall; and if he has assessed the consequences for UK haddock fishing. [128158]
§ Mr. MorleyThis spring there was evidence of increased activity by Russian vessels fishing for haddock and other demersal stocks in international waters to the west of Rockall. Unregulated fishing of this kind risks undermining EU management measures aimed at conserving stocks. At the Fisheries Council in June we called upon the European Commission to press for the adoption of specific management measures by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) to constrain fishing in the area. We are supported by a number of other member states. The European Commission has undertaken to pursue the necessary action in NEAFC.