Examination of Witnesses (Questions 1000-1002)
Jonathan Shaw and Mr Lindsay Harris
11 JUNE 2008
Q1000 Chairman: But the problem that
we have come across, and it has been a frustration, quite honestly,
in much of this inquiry, given the hostility of certain sections
of the fishing industry to the Common Fisheries Policy, is that
there is this assertion that it is perfectly possible to leave
the Common Fisheries Policy and yet remain in the EU, and that
misunderstanding actually prevents a proper discussion of the
reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Jonathan Shaw: I think it was Conservative Party
policy at one stage and when that was challenged I think that
people then understood that and, as I understand it, now it is
no longer a Conservative Party policy, so it is not just the SNP
who have got form on this.
Q1001 Chairman: That is true but,
with enormous respect to the Conservative Party, it is actually
more important that the SNP are saying it than the Conservative
Party were saying it because of that band of SNP representation
in the North East of Scotland where the fishing industry is and
where it is a deeply held view that it is possible to come out
of the Common Fisheries Policy and remain in the EU, and until
that is broken we cannot have a debate.
Jonathan Shaw: I think that it is easier to
pedal a line in opposition than continue it when you are in administration.
That is the policy that the Fishermen's Association Ltd (FAL)
advocate and the SNP have echoed that. I think the chickens will
come home to roost and then the policy will be exposed for what
it is, as the Conservative Party found out.
Q1002 Chairman: Minister, thank you
very much indeed. Can I also thank you for the help that we have
received from your officials during the course of this inquiry;
it has been absolutely invaluable.
Jonathan Shaw: They will appreciate those remarks.
As I said at the beginning, I look forward very much to receiving
your report; it is very timely.
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