To ask the Scottish Executive whether any measures have been introduced in order to avoid displacement of fishing effort from the white fish sector to nephrops fisheries; if so, what measures have been introduced; if not what the reasons are for this position and what measures will be introduced, and when it first received representations on this matter.

In the short-term, it is our intention to target forthcoming transitional support of up to £10 million through a variety of selection criteria and conditions of award. One such condition will require white fish vessels restricted to 15 days per month (or the equivalent) to tie up rather than pursue additional fishing opportunities (for example on nephrops). In the long term, we plan to consult on other options such as restrictive licences.