The real CFP

I have just noticed, on your letters page, a query directed to me from John Tulloch and Toby Sandison regarding the Common Fisheries Policy (Fishing query; SN, 17/09/14).

Mr Sandison seems to regard what was agreed, in 1983, as the Common Fisheries Policy. I have to say I do not blame him, as all the main political parties continue to foster this myth.

However, what was agreed in 1983 was not the CFP, but a derogation from the CFP.

For confirmation of this look at one of my letters (A fighting chance; SN; 08/09/14) which refers to the findings of the European Court of Justice

Relative stability – or the system of national quotas – does not underpin the CFP, as Mr Sandison mistakenly believes, but underpins the 1983 derogation.

It is all water under the bridge now, but my fear for Scottish fishermen was, in the event of independence and gaining access to the EU, other member states, with a large fishing capacity, would use the real CFP to gain ”equal access to a common resource” in Scottish, or what would become EU waters.

Remember that on applying to join the EU, Scotland would have to accept the provisions of the Acquis Commuaitaire before any negotiations could even begin.

The Acquis contains the real Common Fisheries Policy.

Magnie Stewart
Bressay