HC Deb 17 February 1983 vol 37 cc454-5
5. Mr. McNally

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has completed his review of the suitability of the British Aerospace Coastguarder for fishery protection duties; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The Coastguarder is one of a number of aircraft currently being evaluated, and no conclusion has yet been reached.

Mr. McNally

I have more than a crude constituency interest in this matter, although the workers at Woodford do an excellent job. Does the Minister accept that to purchase the Coastguarder would sow a seed that would reap a great harvest from many other maritime countries which are looking for just such a good aircraft?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I appreciate that the use of this aircraft could have an influence elsewhere. I am also conscious of the many representations that are properly being made by hon. Members who have an interest in the matter. Many issues arise from aerial surveillance, which we are presently considering. The Coastguarder is being evaluated, in relation both to RAF Nimrod and alternative aircraft. We shall conclude that evaluation as soon as possible.

Mr. James Johnson

Will the Minister use his best efforts in this area, not only because of the many aerospace workers in Hull, but because of the need to enforce conservation measures, particularly, as was said in a debate last week, as the EC has 13 inspectors to monitor any dereliction of duty in our waters? It is important that this matter is dealt with.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

On the one hand, cost-effectiveness is important, but, on the other, we must consider what will do the best job. I agree that it is important to ensure that there is effective control.

Sir Hector Monro

Does my right hon. Friend agree that we should give warm praise to the Nimrod squadrons for their fisheries surveillance in recent years? Will he bear in mind that when we move to twin-engined aircraft in future, perhaps operated by private companies, it will be important to have British aircraft, if possible, and will he look carefully at the Coastguarder?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I join my hon. Friend in his warm praise of the RAF, particularly the Nimrod crews. On one occasion I made a surveillance flight. The Nimrods do an important job beyond protecting our fisheries. We shall consider British aircraft and the alternatives. My hon. Friend will no doubt welcome the fact that for close inshore surveillance we have used an aircraft made in the Isle of Wight.