I therefore ask whether time will be found for a statement or a proper debate on the Crisis of Stock Levels in the North sea and the need, highlighted in a paper produced today by the World Wildlife Fund, for money to be provided by the Treasury for short to medium-term aid for the fishing industry and the white fish fleet in particular.

My right hon. Friendthe Member for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw), andthe hon. Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) - both ex-Fisheries Ministers- made the important point that if we do not take tough decisions now we will be back in two years facing an even worse Crisis in Stock Levels.