asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the French Cabinet has decided to declare jurisdiction over a 200-mile economic zone which would also affect fishing rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - 200-mile Economic Zone.
40.
The French Secretary of State for Transport stated earlier this month that a Bill extending French jurisdiction over a 200-mile economic maritime zone would be introduced during the present session of Parliament but the text of the Bill has not yet been submitted.
I understand that the legislation envisaged will be of an enabling nature to be given effect later by decrees.
In so far as fishing rights are concerned France would continue to be bound by her existing international obligations and any extended area would be subject to the right of access of her Community partners who would have access to it under the Community access provisions. France would not be entitled to exclude Community members from the extended area except to the extent that this would be allowed by the common fisheries policy of which a review is taking place at the present time.