HL Deb 28 June 1993 vol 547 cc677-8

9.10 p.m.

Earl Howe rose to move, That the scheme laid before the House on 21st May be approved [33rd Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Earl said: My Lords, I am pleased today to introduce this scheme under which the Government expect to commit nearly £4 million over four years in furtherance of safety on fishing vessels. The scheme is a successor to one which expired at the end of 1991 and is cast in terms which enable grant to be paid retrospectively to those who have carried out eligible works since the previous scheme expired. The scheme provides grants for equipment which is needed to enable vessel owners to obtain a Department of Transport safety certificate under the Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975.

Fishing is a hazardous occupation. However, this scheme expresses the Government's commitment to help minimise those risks and their effects. I beg to move.

Moved, That the scheme laid before the House on 21st May be approved [33rd Report from the Joint Committee].—(Earl Howe.)

Lord Carter

My Lords, the House will be grateful to the Minister for the way he has explained the order. I shall be brief. There are some wider fishing matters which are outside the scope of the order; for example, matters such as days at sea and the level of the decommissioning grant. We are not involved with them this evening and can leave them for another occasion. I have only one question for the Minister. If he wishes, he can write to me about it and put a copy of the letter in the Library.

It is of concern to the industry—I know that the Minister is aware of this—that these grants are limited to vessels of over 12 metres. It seems that a large number of accidents occur in vessels under 12 metres. I believe that the Department of Transport is studying the problem. If the Minister will write to me to bring me up to date, and say whether and when the Government are prepared to change their stance on that matter, that would be extremely helpful.

We have no other comment to make. Anything which improves safety in this extremely dangerous industry is welcome. On this side of the House we support the order.

Earl Howe

My Lords, in deference to the wish of the House to save time, I shall write to the noble Lord in answer to his questions.

On Question, Motion agreed to.