4. We have given further consideration to the following on the basis of further information from the Government. We maintain our opinion[8] that it raises questions of political importance, but make no recommendation for its additional further consideration:--
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
(17704)
--
COM(96)641 |
Draft Regulation fixing, for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks the Total Allowable Catches for 1997 and certain conditions under which they may be fished. |
(17697)
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-- |
Two draft Regulations:--
(a) laying down for 1997 certain measures for the conservation and management of fisheries applicable to vessels flying the flag of Norway;
(b) Allocating for 1997 catch quotas between Member States for vessels fishing in the Norwegian exclusive economic zone and fishing zone round Jan Mayen. |
| Legal base: |
Article 43 and the Acts of Accession of Spain and Portugal and of Austria, Sweden and Finland; qualified majority voting. |
Background
4.1 We considered the total allowable catches and quotas and the reciprocal arrangements with Norway on 11 December and recommended a debate on the Floor of the House. This debate took place yesterday. In our Report, we pointed out that it was difficult to form an overall view on the likely impact of the proposals for 1997 in the absence of figures for the reciprocal arrangements with Norway. The negotiations with Norway have now been completed and a letter to us from the Minister of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr Baldry) of 13 December sets out the current position.
4.2 He says that on the jointly managed North Sea stocks and those in Norwegian waters north of 62° expected the Commission to propose:
"(i) a 2 per cent increase in the TAC for North Sea herring;
(ii) a 4 per cent increase in the TAC for North Sea saithe;
(iii) a 13 per cent increase for North Sea whiting;
(iv) no change for mackerel;
(v) a 12 per cent cut for North Sea cod;
(vi) a 5 per cent cut for North Sea haddock; and
(vii) a 5 per cent cut for North Sea plaice.
"In respect of the North Norway stocks we anticipate the following UK quotas:
(tonnes)
Stock | UK Quota | 96-97 comparison
|
Cod | 16,500 | +2915 |
Haddock | 2,630 | +330 |
Saithe | 290 | -210 |
Redfish | 230 | -170 |
[Greenland] Halibut | 50 | no change |
Other | 240 | no change |
| | | |
"Looked at as a whole the outcome of the Norwegian negotiations is far better than it might have been. The increases are in line with scientific advice and very welcome. The reductions in the North Sea cod and haddock TACs are also consistent with the scientific advice and are far less drastic than the Norwegian opening bids. However, we shall be giving further thought to the North Sea plaice TAC at next week's Council to see whether it is possible to agree a rather higher figure."
4.3 The Minister informed the House of the outcome of negotiations in the debate[9].
Conclusion
4.4 We consider that the proposals raise questions of political importance, but in view of yesterday's debate we make no recommendation for their further consideration.
8. (17704)--; see HC 36-vii (1996-97), paragraph 1 (11 December 1996) and (17697)--; see HC 36-vii (1996-97), paragraph 17 (11 December 1996). Back
9. Official Report, 16 December 1996, cols. 648-728. Back
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