HC Deb 05 August 1971 vol 822 cc1835-6
25. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of State for Defence what are his plans regarding measures for fisheries protection; how many ships, aircraft and helicopters are available; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Kirk

I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 3rd August.—[Vol. 822, c. 290.]

Mr. Johnson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the North-East Sea Fisheries Committee held a highly successful conference at Scarborough last Saturday which was attended by the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and myself? There were present skippers from the Tweed to the Humber—from Filey, Hartlepools and elsewhere. They were unanimous in their belief that the existing facilities are inadequate. With the spectre looming up of our entry to the Common Market, and the double spectre of the Icelandic limits being increased to 50 miles, we shall need many more vessels to protect our fishermen.

Mr. Kirk

With the six mine counter-measures vessels which we use at the moment, 160 arrests have been made since the present limits were laid down in 1964. That would seem to show a pretty satisfactory state of affairs.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that his Department has a big part to play in whatever is going on concerning fisheries and the Common Market? I should like his Department to be fully involved. I hope that he will not try to get out of it.

Mr. Kirk

The question of fisheries and the Common Market is for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food. Our job is to protect the fishing limits which are laid down.