§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many vessels were operating as industrial dredgers off the coast of the United Kingdom for each of the years from 1980 to 1987;
(2) how many vessels were operating as industrial dredgers off the North sea coast for each of the years from 1980 to 1987.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe information is not available within my Department. Figures from Crown Estate Commissioners, who issue licences, indicate that 55 industrial dredgers operate around the United Kingdom coast. Of these, about 20 operate off the North sea coast. A more detailed breakdown of these numbers is not available.