HC Deb 31 January 1995 vol 253 c562W
26. Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adequacy of naval forces to carry out fishery protection duties.

Mr. Soames

The Royal Navy's Fishery Protection Squadron comprises nine vessels. The requirements for the provision of fishery protection services are reviewed annually with the fisheries Department. During this financial year, 1994–95, the squadron is contracted to provide these Departments with some 1,380 patrol days dedicated to fisheries work.