Flanders holds 1666 charter in reserve to fish in English waters

Flemish trawler men have less to fear than most if no deal is reached thanks a privilege granted to fifty Bruges fishers in 1666.  Under this privilege, `Privilegie der Visscherie' (Privilege of Fisheries), the Bruges fishers are granted the `eternal right' to fish in English waters. Flemish fisheries minister, Hilde Crevits, who also doubles as economy minister and deputy premier waved the document about on Flemish radio last week.