§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with reference to paragraph 8 of S.I. 1242 concerning decommissioning of fishing vessels, if he had the option, under article 8 of European Council Regulation 3699/93, of including permanent transfer of a fishing vessel to a third country or permanent re-assignment for purposes other than fishing in waters of the European Community. [37045]
§ Mr. BaldryIn the light of experience of decommissioning schemes implemented before 1993 and of the need to protect public funds, United Kingdom Fisheries Ministers decided not to pursue the option available under article 8 of Council regulation EC No. 3699/93 of allowing vessels to be permanently transferred to a third country or permanently reassigned for uses other than fishing in Community waters.