§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that the Minister of State with responsibility for Agriculture and Rural Development will be present throughout the negotiations at the EU Fisheries Council meeting. [137526]
§ Mr. PearsonI propose to attend the whole of the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council Meeting, although I should much prefer Northern Ireland's interests to be represented by a locally elected Minister.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what lines of communication will be provided between the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and representatives of the Northern Ireland fishing industry during the negotiations at the EU Fisheries Council. [137527]
§ Mr. PearsonIf a locally elected Minister cannot represent Northern Ireland at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, my senior officials and I will make every effort to keep local fishing industry representatives informed of developments throughout the proceedings.