Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the early year closure of skate, rays and plaice on the (a) economic position of and (b) effect on health and safety risks to English fishermen.

The Government is aware of the impact that closures have had on the local fishing industry. It is important that quota limits are not exceeded, in order to protect the long term future of the industry. Early closure is used only as a last resort.

Fishermen should not risk their safety, or that of their crew and vessel at any time. Safety must always be a vessel master’s priority, whether fishing, transiting or in port.