HL Deb 15 May 1972 vol 330 c1204

2.38 p.m.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps have been taken, or are contemplated, to increase the naval protection of our inshore fishing fleets.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)

My Lords, we shall be increasing the effort currently deployed by the Armed Services on coastal fishery protection around the United Kingdom by some 50 per cent. during the course of this year. This will be achieved by the full-time deployment of two more minesweepers, a specially acquired fast patrol boat and the increased use of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask him whether he himself is satisfied that this will afford sufficient protection to our inshore fishing?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, as I said, it is an increase of about 50 per cent., and I think we must see how we get along.