To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the existing monitoring programme of sandeels will continue during any proposed closure of the Shetland sandeel fishery and following any subsequent reopening of the fishery.

Continued monitoring of this stock by present methods and at the present level cannot be justified by comparison with other priorities in the maritime laboratory's research programme. If, following consultation, the fishery remains closed and stocks subsequently show signs of recovery, the case for monitoring will be reassessed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration has been given by his Department to the duration of any proposed closure of the Shetland sandeel fishery; and if he will make a statement.

While a final decision on the management arrangements for the Shetland sandeel fishery in 1991 is subject to consultation with interested parties, a consultation paper issued on 24 December 1990 proposes that the fishery be closed until spawning stock levels recover. It is not possible to predict how long this will take.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to make financial provision to enable those recently engaged in the Shetland sandeel fishery to convert to fishing alternative stocks during the proposed closure of the fishery.

No. Those fishing vessels normally involved in the Shetland sandeel fishery already fish for other species.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the right hon. Member for Hertfordshire, North may expect to receive an answer to his letter dated 28 September 1990 concerning sandeel fishing.

[holding answer 23 January 1991]: Further to my reply of 23 January, we have now received a copy of the right hon. Member's letter and my noble Friend Lord Strathclyde replied today.