§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on who is responsible for the initial authorisation of fishing gear to be used outside the Scottish 12 mile limit. [33384]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Scottish Executive is responsible for fisheries management in the Scottish zone of British fisheries limits. This zone extends from the Scottish coast out to the 200 mile limit or to median lines with adjacent countries if that distance is shorter. Fisheries management includes regulation of fishing gear.