The partners of W Stevenson & Son could soon be banished from Newlyn's decision-making process.The fish merchant's future role on Newlyn Fish Industry Forum (NFIF), created in 2004 to deliver the port's regeneration strategy, is likely to be discussed next month.

The company's guilty pleas to charges relating to fraudulent activity could find them excluded from the forum which is partnered by public and private sector companies, including Cornwall County Council and Penwith District Council.

W Stevenson & Son admitted 37 charges of submitting a false sales note to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at Exeter Crown Court on Friday, April 13.

The documents did not accurately indicate the quantity of high value quota fish species such as cod, hake and monkfish, when they were landed through auction

Tony Woodhams, NFIF's project officer, said the company's future position on the forum was likely to be discussed at the annual meeting on May 8.

"I think it would probably be inappropriate to have a view on this in view of the meeting but when the members have had a chance to discuss it there will be a decision taken at that time," he said.

Cornwall County Council has, along with many of the other partners on the forum, so far declined to comment.

However Malcolm Pilcher, vice chairman of Penwith District Council, said he would "very much doubt" that W Stevenson & Son would keep their place at the forum.

"It's all in the air at this time but as far as I am concerned no they won't," he said.

Elizabeth Stevenson, partner of W Stevenson & Son, said she felt that her position on the forum was secure. "I do not at the present time feel my position has changed on the NFIF," she said. "It is and was set up as a fish industry forum and I have at the present time the full backing of the fishing industry."

 acticle copyright THE CORNISHMAN

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