92002E2122

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2122/02

by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(17 July 2002)

Subject: Fisheries Hague Preferences

The principle of relative stability which seeks to distribute fishing opportunities based on traditional fishing rights and the maintenance of fisheries-dependent communities, has been elaborated by virtue of the Hague Preference system which, for its part, seeks to address the special needs of Ireland and the northern parts of the United Kingdom.

Can the Commission provide assurances that these special needs will continue to be recognised and that the Hague Preferences system will not be undermined in the reform of the common fisheries policy which is currently under review?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2002)

The Commission has made it clear in Section 3.3 of its Communication on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy(1) that it wishes to maintain relative stability and within this concept to take account of Hague Preferences, thereby removing any uncertainty about how relative stability is to be applied.

(1) COM(2002) 181 final.