Written question asked by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 28 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 December 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 5 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cockle Fishing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Government will implement a secure permit system for cockle fishing requiring (a) the observation of health and safety regulations, (b) that the coastguard be informed of any cockling activity, (c) a responsible person to be on shore at all times and to be informed of all active participants at any time, (d) the enforcement of risk assessment procedures and (e) a proper check of all vehicles and equipment.

Answer: [holding answer 1 December 2005]: The 12 Sea Fisheries Committees in England and Wales have powers under the Sea Fisheries Regulation Act 1996 to introduce byelaws to meet local fisheries management requirements (for example, to regulate cockle fishing by permit requirement). Other authorities have primary responsibility for such matters as health and safety regulation and the safety of vehicles, and relevant legal requirements and enforcement arrangements are in place. I will be considering whether additional provision for effective inshore fisheries management needs to be made in the Government's planned Marine Bill.

Secondary information