To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the implications for the United Kingdom fishing fleet of recent court decisions relating to re-registered Spanish fishing vessels; and whether he will make a statement.

The recent judgment of the European Court of Justice in case 213/89 Factortame means that national courts may grant interim relief in respect of a national law when there is an alleged breach of Community law rights, pending a ruling on the substantive issue. The question whether such relief should be given was heard by the House of Lords at the beginning of the month.