To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the Fishery Protection Squadron; and if he will make a statement. (139087)

In December 2006, I agreed to the continuation of the Royal Navy Fishery Protection service for five years from 1 April 2008.

The Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron undertakes monitoring, control and inspection activities at sea under an agreement with the Marine and Fisheries Agency. The current agreement expires on 31 March 2008. The detailed terms of a new agreement, to apply from 1 April 2008, will be discussed between officials from the Marine and Fisheries Agency, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy during the course of this year.