HC Deb 13 December 1967 vol 756 cc410-1
16. Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what resources of the Royal Navy are being made available for fishery protection, both in home and distant waters.

Mr. Foley

Regular patrols in home waters are carried out by the Fishery Protection Squadron's six coastal minesweepers. Distant water protection is afforded by frigates of the Western Fleet. Additional vessels are allocated from the Western Fleet to fishery protection duties from time to time if the need arises and other commitments permit.

Mr. Wallace

The services of the Royal Navy in this field are very much appreciated, but is my hon. Friend completely satisfied that the resources made available are adequate to meet the growing amount of illegal fishing now taking place?

Mr. Foley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the possibility of using helicopters to patrol our sea coasts in order to prevent poachers?

Mr. Foley

It has been examined in the context of using frigates on the far distant patrols. As regards our own territorial waters, we feel that we have adequate coverage as it is.