To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the main changes in the present common fisheries policy since its introduction in January 1983.

The present structure and foundation of the common fisheries policy was laid down in 1983. Changes since then have essentially been adjustments and improvements such as annual TACs and quotas; additions to and improvements on technical conservation measures; and revisions to the market support arrangements; enforcement;and arrangements made to take account of the accession of Spain and Portugal. The principles on which the common fisheries policy was founded have not been changed.