HC Deb 13 June 2000 vol 351 cc778-80
6. Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde)

How many (a) commercial fishermen have been lost at sea and (b) fishing vessels have (i) capsized and (ii) foundered in each of the past three years. [123994]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. Chris Mullin)

Over the past three years, the total number of fishermen who died as a result of their vessel being lost or of falling overboard is 53, and the number of vessels that capsized or foundered is 60. This year, there have been 14 deaths up to May.

Dr. Godman

It is deeply regrettable, but given the hazardous occupation that those men follow and the seas that they are often in, men and vessels will be lost. However, some of the terrible losses happen because of inadequate safety equipment, poor safety training and negligence. What will the Department do to reduce those dreadful statistics? Does my hon. Friend agree that there is a sharp discrepancy between the training programmes on safety that are offered to merchant navy personnel and those that are available to fishermen? Something needs to be done soon.

Mr. Mullin

I first pay tribute to my hon. Friend's long-standing interest, which, I recall, stretches back more than 30 years, to the time when we were at university together. We went to one of the élite universities—Hull.

Dr. Godman

I was a mature student, my hon. Friend was an immature student.

Mr. Mullin

I readily own up to that. My hon. Friend has also worn better than me over the years.

For a variety of reasons, the industry has a sad safety record. I am sure that my hon. Friend would agree with that. Part of that is due to the culture in the industry, which in the past tended to treat safety regulations as some sort of Government interference, whereas they should be the norm in an industry as dangerous as fishing.

We have introduced a safety code for vessels under 12 m. We also have a three-year joint initiative with the industry. Arising from that, one possibility under consideration is the provision of mobile training facilities. That would, I think, deal with my hon. Friend's point about taking training to fishermen rather than holding training sessions elsewhere.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who also takes the matter seriously—and who was at university with my hon. Friend and me—has so far held two meetings with representatives of the fishing industry this year to discuss safety.

Mr. Andrew George (St. Ives)

Given that 11 lives have been lost in my constituency during the period under discussion, I am sure the Minister accepts the seriousness of the problem. It is particularly serious for smaller and single-handed vessels. In view of his earlier reply, would the Minister be prepared to expand on the timetable for the introduction of a safety code for vessels measuring less than 12 m?

Mr. Mullin

The code is being introduced this year.

Mr. Bob Blizzard (Waveney)

Is my hon. Friend aware that, although there may not be many fishermen left in the country, in a fishing community like Lowestoft everyone knows a fishing family, and everyone knows a family who has suffered a bereavement at some point? Ties are strong, and it is an emotive issue.

I am concerned about the seaworthiness of, in particular, small fishing boats in Lowestoft harbour. Fishermen are hard-pressed because of general difficulties affecting fishing. Will my hon. Friend give special consideration to safety grants for smaller vessels? I think that that is the way in which we could save the most lives.

Mr. Mullin

We think that what is most needed is safety training, rather than grants.

I feel that skippers and employers—although I know that many fishermen are self-employed—could take more interest in the risks to which their crews are exposed. It should, for instance, become the norm for fishermen to wear life jackets when on deck. Unfortunately it is not the norm, thus far at least.

Mr. Robert Syms (Poole)

This is a serious subject for all of us who represent fishing constituencies. Why, in the light of the tragic figures that the Minister has given, have the Government—as an economy under the comprehensive spending review—cancelled fishing vessel safety equipment grants? Surely they should consider that decision seriously, and, if necessary, reverse it.

Mr. Mullin

The money spent on safety equipment should have been spent on vessels in any case. That is why we are concentrating on promoting safety training for crews. We made the change because we think that it will be more effective.