§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the number of vessels and crews in the fisheries protection fleet now protecting British fisheries, the steps they have taken during the last six months to protect Scottish fishing fleets, and the number and nature of such interventions.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe Fishery Protection Squadron of the Royal Navy consists of two Divisions. The Arctic Division, of three frigates with over 400 officers and ratings, patrolled distant fishing grounds, while the Home Division, of six minesweepers with over 200 officers and ratings, patrolled home waters to enforce the fishery limits. A number of incidents in Scottish waters have been investigated but no arrests have been needed.
Besides the Fishery Protection Squadron, patrols in Scottish waters have been carried out by fishery protection cruisers operated by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, during the course of which six arrests have been made.