asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to obtain an international agreement to, prevent the grounds in the North Sea and Channel from being over-fished; and to prevent the destruction of immature fish by limiting the size of mesh for all fishing other than that conducted for certain special purposes in defined areas.

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member's question on 29th October, His Majesty's Government have decided to convene an International Conference to try to reach agreement to prevent the over-fishing of the North Sea. This will no doubt afford a suitable opportunity for discussing the limitation of the size of mesh of fishing nets.

Is this conference likely to meet within the next three years?

I hope so.