To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he has any targets to reduce discards in UK waters. (142267)

The Government are extremely concerned about the level of discarding generally and is clear that significant steps must be taken to reduce it.

However, this is a problem which requires EU-wide action and we will therefore be working with the Commission (and other member states) to ensure their latest initiative is fully effective in delivering appropriate solutions throughout the community.