Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 December 2010.

Fishing: Common Fisheries Policy

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Food and Drink Federation's proposals for a radical and modernised common fisheries policy; and whether they support those proposals.

Answer: The proposals set out by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) are a valuable contribution to the debate on reforming the common fisheries policy (CFP). The Government agree with many of the views expressed by the FDF, for example on the need to tackle overcapacity and to simplify and decentralise fisheries management, enabling those closest to fisheries to plan for the long term and giving fishermen greater incentive to fish sustainably. Input from influential bodies such as the FDF will be important in building support for reform ahead of negotiations next year. Richard Benyon, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Fisheries, has met the FDF to discuss our mutual aims for reform of the CFP and is keen to work with it and other organisations in helping build the case for radical reform.

Secondary information