§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the status of negotiations to extend the lifespan of the 12 mile limit derogation; which countries have indicated an aversion to so doing; and if delegations have made linkage between extension and UK agreement in different fields. [57875]
§ Mr. MorleyThis issue falls to be negotiated as part of the forthcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The negotiations have yet to start: the Commission has not yet issued its proposals, but says that they are imminent. It is to be expected in a negotiation on a matter such as this that delegations will seek to link issues in pursuit of their objectives. But on the matter of 6 and 12 mile limits it is plain from views already declared that a clear majority of member states favours retention of the present arrangements.