Peers’ comments anger Aberdeen processor
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A HOUSE of Lords inquiry into the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) came under attack from an Aberdeen fish processor yesterday.
Andrew Charles, who owns J. Charles, of Torry, said he was left feeling angry at comments made by Lord Sewel, who led a fact-finding visit to Peterhead on Thursday and claimed Scottish efforts to withdraw from the CFP were futile. Mr Charles, who is also a director of the Scottish Seafood Processors’ Federation (SSPF), added: “This committee was supposed to come up here to learn about the CFP, not make a judgment on the way forward.
“Many people in the industry – both in the processing sector and on the catching side – feel that its members came up here with preconceived ideas and to dictate on the future management of Scotland’s fishing industry, rather than to listen.”
He also laid into committee member Lord Plumb, who said fishermen would react with shock and horror to withdrawal from the CFP. “That was a misjudgment,” said Mr Charles, adding: “There is not one skipper I know of who would not welcome a change of fisheries management from the CFP.”
Mr Charles said he was disappointed the committee failed to make time during its north-east visit to hear the views of the SSPF.
