It has been claimed that a plan to mine for metal of the north Cornall coast will have "adverse effect on commercial fishermen"

Andrew George, MP for Penzance and St Ives, has said that the head of the local Inshore Fisheries and Conservation authority has confirmed that the application to extract marine minerals close to popular beaches could damage fishing.

Mr George said: "The authority also noted that the licensing authority, the Marine Management Organisation, had undertaken “little, if any, directed consultation…with the people most likely to be affected, the fishermen”.

Mr George said, “I don’t think anyone would want to stand in the way of a commercial enterprise has the potential to generate many jobs and contribute to the local economy, but I also know that the company itself would want all of those who may be affected to be both consulted and considered in its future plans.

“I will contact the Marine Management Organisation again to ask that it makes sure that local interests are properly consulted and taken into consideration in any future plans for the kind of mineral extraction which I understand is under consideration. Marine conservation bodies and inshore fishermen who place fixed gear in the area have a right to have their concerns taken fully into account.”