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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support cockle fishing communities (a) around the Southport Cockle Bed and (b) in other areas.

The Southport Cockle Bed is managed by the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). Recognising limited wider fishing opportunities for industry in the North West, the IFCA opened the Penfold cockle fishery this year until 30 April.

Support has been provided to businesses involved in the cockle sector, including introducing improvements to boats, improving health and safety, and increasing the value of cockles through the installation of infrastructure for individual quick freezing through the Defra funded Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.