§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department's records of fishing vessel losses at sea include any reference to the sinking of the Irish trawler Sharelga; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy Department only records losses of foreign registered fishing vessels at sea when it has inquired into the circumstances of the loss. Incidents on the high seas involving foreign registered fishing vessels and submarines do not fall within the responsibilities of my Department. No reference to the loss of the Irish trawler Sharelga therefore appears in our records.