Written question asked by Keith Mans (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: When he intends to report to Parliament on the implementation of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992, as required by section 10. - Inc ref to 264 c711-2W.

Answer: Mr. Mans: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to report to Parliament on the implementation of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992, as required by section 10. [21634] Mr. Baldry: The primary purpose of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 was to make provision for the introduction of restrictions on time spent at sea. Implementing legislation in the form of the Sea Fish Licences (Time at Sea) (Principles) Order 1993 was introduced, but the policy was subsequently suspended following a legal challenge which was referred to the European Court of Justice. Despite the European Court's endorsement of the legality of measures adopted by this House, it was decided that it would not be sensible to implement the planned arrangements for the days at sea policy for the reasons set out in my reply to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 25 October 1995, Official Report, col. 711-12. In these circumstances there is nothing of substance to report and we do not propose to make any further reports to Parliament on this matter.

Secondary information