HC Deb 05 February 1987 vol 109 cc750-1W
Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to amend the regulations relating to safety matters on the carrying of immersion suits on United Kingdom registered fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The carriage of life-saving appliances on fishing vessels is currently under examination by the Department in consultation with the fishing industry as part of the review of the Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report the number of fishermen who were (a) drowned, (b) killed in accidents on board and (c) injured in accidents on board whilst working on United Kingdom registered fishing vessels in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The numbers of deaths and of accidents to fishermen reported to the Department are

Number of deaths and accidents
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986
Drownings1
Fishing vessels 24 m and over — — 1 — —
Fishing vessels under 24 m 4 12 11 20 —
Fishing vessels 40 m and over — — — — —
Fishing vessels between 24.4 m and 40 m — — — — 8
Fishing vessels between 10 m and 24.4 m — — — — 8
Deaths due to other accidents
Fishing vessels 24 m and over 3 2 1 1 —
Fishinc vessels under 24 m 10 7 — 1 —
Fishing vessels 40 m and over — — — — —
Fishing vessels between 24.4 m and 40 m — — — — —
Fishing vessels between 10 m and 24.4 m — — — — 1
Non-fatal accidents
Fishing vessels 24 m and over 90 64 73 37 —
Fishing vessels under 24 m n/a n/a n/a n/a —
Fishing vessels 40 m and over — — — — 2 14
Fishing vessels between 24.4 m and 40 m — — — — 36
Fishing vessels between 10 m and 24.4 m — — — — 37
1 Drownings include recorded as missing at sea
2 One non crew member is excluded
n/a = not available

Note: The total number of deaths in 1984 (13) amends by one the deaths (12) shown in Hansard, Vol. 90, columns 611–612.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to change the Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

My Department is reviewing the Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975 in consultation with the fishing industry.