§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she expects to make public the first draft of the long term UK sea fishing strategy; [105918]
(2) what recent progress her Department has made in the production of a long-term strategy for the future of the UK sea fishing industry. [105925]
§ Mr. MorleyThe fishing industry took on the task of developing a strategy through the Fish Industry Forum and in liaison with Government. A presentation on the state of play on that industry initiative was made to Fisheries Ministers in July 2002.
As announced on 26 March, the Strategy Unit has been requested by the Prime Minister to develop a long-term strategy for a sustainable sea fishing industry in the UK: the final report is intended to be completed by the end of 2003.