§ Dr. Godmanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why his Department has decided to mount extra Nimrod patrols over the south-western approaches, as announced on 19 December; if Her Majesty's Government have decided to replace the Nimrods with civil aircraft; and if this is a temporary measure as a result of Spanish accession to the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. GummerSince 1 January 1986, the frequency of Nimrod patrols over the south-western approaches has been increased temporarily to ensure that, during the settling-in period following Spanish accession, Spanish vessels fishing in that area comply fully with Community conservation and control measures.
The replacement of Nimrod aircraft with civilian aircraft has been decided, as my right hon. Friend said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Sir G. Johnson-Smith) on 14 November 1985, at column 280, because the aerial surveillance task can be carried out more effectively by using aircraft of a lighter type.