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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on access to and management of domestic waters after the UK leaves the EU; what discussions he plans to have with UK marine scientists on that policy; and if he will visit the NAFC Marine Centre in Shetland to discuss with them how the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU has affected fish stocks.

As an independent coastal state we will develop and implement a domestic fishing policy that best meets the interests of the UK and is in line with our obligations under international law. We are working closely with our world class scientists to achieve this. Once we have taken back control of our waters, we will be able to negotiate future access.

I visited NAFC in June 2014 and regularly discuss fisheries issues with representatives from the Scottish and Shetland Island fishing industries.