To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with his Scottish counterpart on the decision taken by the Scottish Executive to introduce a moratorium on fisheries licence and quota transfers; when he was notified of the moratorium; and if he will make a statement; (207621)

I have had no discussions with my Scottish counterpart about the moratorium and was first advised of it late on Thursday 15 May, the day before it was announced. At this time I am unable to make a proper assessment of its impact on any part of the UK fishing fleet as there is still some uncertainty about exactly how in practice the Scottish Executive intend to apply it. In the absence of that information it is impossible to make a full judgment of the legality of the moratorium but the preliminary advice that I have received is that it may be unlawful. I have expressed my profound disappointment at this unilateral action, which tears up long-standing arrangements between England and Scotland for managing fishing licences and quotas. It creates additional risk and uncertainty for fishermen at a time when they are already under enormous pressure and prevents then from carrying out their legitimate business. I am saddened that the Scottish Executive no longer feel able to work within the collaborative framework of the fisheries concordat. In our view the concordat is still valid given the continuing need for the UK Government and devolved Administrations to work together.