Debates between Gareth Thomas and Michael Gove during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Wed 21st Nov 2018
Fisheries Bill
Commons Chamber

2nd reading: House of Commons & Money resolution: House of Commons & Ways and Means resolution: House of Commons

Fisheries Bill

Debate between Gareth Thomas and Michael Gove
2nd reading: House of Commons & Money resolution: House of Commons & Ways and Means resolution: House of Commons
Wednesday 21st November 2018

(6 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Fisheries Bill 2017-19 View all Fisheries Bill 2017-19 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Gareth Thomas Portrait Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op)
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There are at least 65 co-operatives in the fishing industry, which are worth more than £48 million at the moment. Would not one of the best ways to help boost the fishing co-operatives sector, which keeps profits in hard-pressed coastal communities, be to ensure a radical reform of the quota system, two thirds of which is held by just three opaque companies?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. As we leave the CFP, there is an opportunity to reallocate quota. We have already seen a reallocation, with a 13% uplift for the under-10 metre fleet under this Government. There is a crucial point to make: some of the quota that is necessarily allocated is allocated for the types of stocks—pelagic stocks—of which the under- 10 metre fleet, simply because of the nature of where those fish are found, would be poorly placed to take advantage. So he is absolutely right to say there is a case for reform, but a significant amount of quota could not, at this stage, be allocated in the way that he might suggest.