HC Deb 25 May 2000 vol 350 cc640-1W
23. Dr. Godman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his main objectives for the review of the Common Fisheries Policy due to take place in 2002. [122425]

Mr. Morley

The Government wish to maintain key features of the present arrangements such as national quotas based on relative stability and access restrictions within national 6/12 mile limits. At the same time, we want to secure improvements to the Common Fisheries Policy including enhancing the regional dimension and integrating environmental considerations more fully.

24. Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the effectiveness for the conservation of fish stocks of the European Common Fisheries Policy. [122426]

Mr. Morley

The Government believe that improvements are needed in the Common Fisheries Policy to make it a more effective instrument for conserving fish stocks.

25. Mrs. Humble

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to secure a greater regional dimension to the common fisheries policy. [122427]

Mr. Morley

The Irish Sea cod recovery programme demonstrates the benefits of a regional approach which involves fishermen directly in developing fisheries management measures affecting them. We were instrumental in securing Commission and Council agreement to this. It indicates the direction in which we want the Common Fisheries Policy to develop.