HC Deb 14 February 1972 vol 831 cc21-3
23. Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will protest to the Belgian Government about persistent breaches of the 6-mile limit by Belgian trawlers off Brighton and the Sussex coast.

Mr. Anthony Boyle

I have no evidence of persistent breaches of the Emile limit by Belgian trawlers. The circumstances under which one Belgian skipper was charged for stowage of gear offences on 31st January were described to the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 3rd February in reply to my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 830, c. 192.]

Mr. Bowden

Is my hon. Friend aware that the offshore fishermen of Brighton and Sussex will regard that as a most unsatisfactory reply? On 26th January a number of Belgian trawlers were seen by the two night watchmen on the Palace Pier in Brighton actually fishing in the area between the two piers. In the light of this and other instances when Belgian trawlers have been fishing within the Emile limit, will my hon. Friend reconsider his reply?

Mr. Royle

Since January, 1971, only seven skippers of Belgian vessels have been charged for offences within British fishing limits. Of these seven, one was for fishing within the 6-mile limit. The remainder were for conservation offences. These figures relate to the whole coast of England and Wales, not merely to the Sussex coast. However, if my hon. Friend has any other evidence that he wishes to give me, I shall be very glad to look at it.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Surely the Minister will accept that the problem is that of catching people. The fact that there are few charges indicates not that there are few breaches, but that there is a lack of success in catching people. Will the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of discussing with our E.E.C. neighbours, now that the fishing regulations have been agreed, the possibility of joint arrangements for fishery protection so that joint responsibility is taken for the respect of different national limits?

Mr. Royle

There is no doubt that the area is attractive to foreign fishermen and it will benefit from the increased provisions for coastal fishery protection which were announced by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy on 20th January. We will certainly consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestions.

Mr. James Johnson

If this is a foretaste of what can, and possibly will, happen if we join the E.E.C., will the hon. Gentleman convey to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the feelings of the House and the need to have not merely more fisheries protection vessels patrolling, but helicopters to warn the vessels below of what is happening?

Mr. Royle

The hon. Gentleman has not got this matter quite right. The allegations about what has been occurring have nothing to do with any application to join the European Economic Community.

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