Written question asked by Barry Field (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 December 1996. It was answered by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 December 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: Under what statutory provision the United Kingdom is permitted to suspend concessions for French fishermen fishing in United Kingdom waters.

Answer: Mr. Barry Field: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under what statutory provision the United Kingdom is permitted to suspend concessions for French fishermen fishing in United Kingdom waters. [7790] Mr. Baldry: The rights of access of French fishing vessels to fish in United Kingdom waters are contained in Council regulation (EEC) No. 3760/92. Article 6 and annex 1 of this regulation set out particular access rights in the coastal waters of the United Kingdom between six and 12 miles. These access rights are given statutory effect in the Fishing Boat (European Economic Community) Designation Order 1983, as amended. They could not be unilaterally suspended without the United Kingdom being in breach of its international obligations.

Secondary information