Peace breaks out between Scottish and UK ministers

Published on Wednesday 13 May 2009 22:05

THE Scottish and British fisheries ministers yesterday agreed to bury the hatchet in a growing row over plans by Holyrood to go it alone on the reform of Scotland's fishing quota system.

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish minister, and Huw Irranca-Davies, his British counterpart, have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over proposals by the Scottish Government to carry out a fundamental reform of the fishing licensing system.

Mr Lochhead announced plans in February to maintain the link between a vessel licence and its quota and to introduce an economic link on vessel activity back to Scotland.

His proposals sparked outrage at Westminster and Mr Irranca-Davies warned Mr Lochhead his plan was "illegal" and "outside the competence" of the Scottish Government.

But yesterday the two issued a joint statement revealing that a joint ministerial group is to be established to take forward reforms on new quota and licensing arrangements for both Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Mr Lochhead said: "Following positive discussions with the UK minister, we have agreed that now is not the time for a protracted legal wrangle over the different views as to what extent quota management and licensing is devolved. The best approach is to set up a joint group to take forward discussions on how fisheries management arrangements can be improved.

"It will look at a range of issues, including how all parts of the UK can implement appropriate management measures to meet their industry's needs."

A spokesman for Mr Lochhead also revealed: "The Scottish Government will put on hold some of the quota and licensing proposals."