Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

David Duguid Excerpts
Wednesday 17th May 2023

(11 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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We will share the results of those pilot schemes. I reiterate what the Prime Minister said at Prime Minister’s questions last week to the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Jamie Stone), which is that the Scottish Government should U-turn on this issue and respect the fact that fishing communities know what is best to preserve stocks and know what is best for future generations. The Scottish Government would do well to pay attention to them.

David Duguid Portrait David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) (Con)
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My right hon. Friend will agree with me and the fishing industry in Scotland that we are not against conservation and sustainability in principle. Does he agree that the haste with which the Scottish Government are trying to implement their highly protected marine areas policy is yet another case of the Green tail wagging the SNP dog, and that that could have an extremely damaging consequence for coastal communities across Scotland, including mine in Banff and Buchan? [Interruption.]

Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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For those who heard the question, the answer is yes.