Shot across bow of EU Commission after fish quota error - Lyon

3.26.34pm GMT Fri 12th Feb 2010

Commenting on the EU Ombudsman's ruling that the European Commission made an administrative error which cut the amount of time Clyde Fishermen could spend at sea, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland George Lyon said:

"The Commission compounded a mistake that cost west coast fishermen vital days at sea by not recognising and admitting that mistake.

"This ruling from the EU Ombudsman should be seen as a shot across the Commission's bow and lead to more conciliatory approach from the Commission in the future."

Liberal Democrat Environment spokesman Liam McArthur MSP added:

"No-one disputes that EU fisheries rules are too top-down and overly complex. This ruling confirms that even the European Commission fails to understand them at times.

"While the findings of the Ombudsman will be deeply embarrassing for the Commission, they should also encourage Scottish fishermen to remain vigilant and challenge the Commission whenever and wherever they believe there has been a failure to interpret the rules correctly."