asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received requesting a 50-mile fishing limit; and if he will now bring forward legislation establishing a 50-mile limit or otherwise take steps to protect fishing stocks and protect the livelihood of United Kingdom inshore fishermen.

The Government have received a number of representations, particularly from the herring fishing sector of the industry, asking for an extension of our fishery limits to 50 miles. Any changes in the rights of vessels to fish outside the present exclusive fishery limits must await the outcome of the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference.