§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to protect fisheries in British inshore waters from January 2003; and if she will make a statement. [60157]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 10 June 2002]: I welcome the Commission's proposal to renew without any time limitation the current access arrangements for the six and twelve mile limits and their statement that these provisions have reduced fishing pressure in the most biologically-sensitive areas of the sea and provided economic stability for small-scale fishing activity. The proposal would apply from 1 January 2003 and a decision is due to be taken by the Fisheries Council during the course of this year's review of the Common Fisheries Policy. There remains a consensus among Member States in favour of renewing the limits.