asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he plans to support EC action against the Dutch fishermen who have taken more than their quota of mackerel from Irish and British waters this year.
441.
Written Answers. - Dutch Fishermen.
440.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he agrees that the revelation of overfishing and illegal activities by the Dutch reveals the reality behind the operation of fish quotas; and whether he agrees that it may have potential implications for fishing when the Community is enlarged.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 441 together. Action against a member state for overfishing in excess of its quota is primarily a matter for the Commission of the European Communities.
I am informed that fishing for mackerel by the Netherlands in Community waters has been stopped because that country has reached its quota. Indeed fishing by certain other member states for other quota species has also been stopped for the same reason. I consider that such actions clearly demonstrate the importance of the quota system as a Community conservation measure and the need for its retention in an enlarged Community.