§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to enforce the requirement in fishing vessel licences that fishing vessels fishing between ICES IV (North Sea) and VI (West of Scotland) have to call in.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythInformation on vessel movements is collected from a variety of sources including air and sea surveillance and is compared with records of vessels which have reported in. Where sufficient evidence exists to show that a vessel has crossed the 4 deg. west line without reporting in, the case is referred to the prosecuting authorities.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he still requires fishing vessels crossing the 4 deg. line to call in; and when enforcement policy for this requirement was last changed.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe requirement for fishing vessels holding North sea and west of Scotland white fish or herring licences to report by radio when crossing the 4 deg. west line was introduced in March 1989 and remains in force. The reporting-in requirement continues to be vigorously enforced.