ACTION ON NORTHERN IRELAND FISHING INDUSTRY

Early day motion 387, tabled 28 February 2001 by Lord Bannside (DUP). Signed by 6 members.

That this House notes the decision of Northern Ireland fishing boats to tie up in ports to stop the slaughter of haddock and whiting stocks; notes that the Cod Recovery Plan in closed fishing areas has forced the fleet to concentrate on prawn fishing, resulting in many juvenile white fish being caught and then, as dead fish, thrown back into the sea in keeping with EU laws; is concerned that fishermen, with heavy financial commitments to meet, are being forced out of business; and demands that the Government acts immediately to secure Northern Ireland's fishing industry by introducing, right away, a compensated lay-up scheme to enable it to survive this most difficult period, and thus secure a future for the Northern Ireland white fish industry.

Signatures by party: DUP 3, UUP 2, Conservative 1.