To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what date Her Majesty's Government became a signatory to the multi-annual guidance programme; and who were the signatories on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

The United Kingdom multi-annual guidance programme was approved by the Commission's Standing Committee for the Fishing Industry in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 47 of Regulation 4028/86 on 11 December 1987.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what dates the multi-annual guidance programme was debated in the House prior to Her Majesty's Government signing the agreement.

The entire MAGP was not debated but one of its main components concerning vessel grants was discussed in the House on 26 October 1987.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations his Department held with representatives of the fishing industry prior to agreement to the multi-annual guidance programme as part of the common fisheries policy.

Full consultations were held with fishing industry representatives before the adoption of Council Regulation 4028/86, of which the multi-annual guidance programme forms a part.