DISCARDED FISH

Early day motion 88, tabled 3 December 2008 by Bill Wiggin (Conservative). Signed by 57 members.

That this House expresses concern about the economic and environmental impact of fish discards; notes with concern the estimate that two million tonnes of healthy fish stock are thrown back into the sea dead each year; is further concerned that in some fisheries discard rates exceed 50 per cent. meaning that more fish are thrown back into the sea than are landed; and calls on the Government to work with the EU to secure a ban on this immoral and wasteful practice at the earliest opportunity.

Signatures by party: Conservative 22, Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 9, Independent 4, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.