Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 11 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 October 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 21 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what role the Government intends regional advisory councils to have in the management of fisheries; and what steps they are taking. - Inc ref to the Government's response to "Net Benefits".

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what role the Government intends regional advisory councils to have in the management of fisheries; and what steps they are taking. [190635] Mr. Bradshaw: The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) needs better stakeholder engagement and a more regional focus, and Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) are a key part of the reforms agreed in 2002. They are international stakeholder-led organisations that will advise the Commission and the Member States on sustainable fisheries management. The Government is taking a leading role to facilitate the establishment of RACs (the North Sea RAC will be the first) and will continue to support them as they become functioning advisory bodies. We have worked closely with the Commission and other Member States as well as the Scottish Executive, provided funding for stakeholder meetings and secured a three year contribution to the running costs of the North Sea RAC from Member States. As the RACs become functioning advisory bodies, we will continue to work with the Commission and other Member States as well as the Scottish Executive and provide practical assistance. If successful, RACs will lead to improved decision- making under the CFP. We see them as a potential first step towards regional management--a principle we will develop in our response to "Net Benefits", the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit Report on fisheries management.

Secondary information