§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to prevent the theft of clams from Poole harbour. [187430]
§ Mr. BradshawThe theft of clams from Poole Harbour is a matter for the Southern Sea Fisheries Committee to consider. Under the Poole Fishery Order 1985 (SI 1985 No.847) the Committee is responsible for imposing and enforcing licensing and other restrictions on the fishing or taking of clams in a large area of Poole Harbour. The Committee is also responsible for regulating fisheries elsewhere in the Harbour under other legislation.
§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what measures her Department is undertaking to assess(a) historical shellfish landings as the basis of any management plan and (b) current shellfish landings; [188891]
(2) if she will implement a management plan for scallops, crabs and lobsters in the Western Channel. [188893]
1942W
§ Mr. BradshawData on shellfish landings by UK vessels and into UK ports are collected annually and published in the United Kingdom Fisheries Statistics series. They are not collected specifically for the purpose of agreeing management plans.
The European Commission indicated in October 2003 that it would bring forward proposals for a management plan for scallops, lobsters and crabs in the Channel. It has not yet done so and we are not aware that such proposals are imminent.