HC Deb 14 July 1998 vol 316 cc161-2W
Mr. Andrew George

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance his Department gave to fishermen for investment in the tuna drift net fishery in the early 1990s. [50408]

Mr. Morley

There were no specific aids for investment in the tuna drift net fishery in the early 1990s. Some vessels may have benefited from safety grants or other structural aids which were available at that time. But it is not now possible to identify the fishing activities they were then engaged in from readily available records.

Mr. Andrew George

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to compensate fishermen who have invested in the tuna drift net fishery in the event of the European Union wide ban. [50407]

Mr. Morley

The June 1998 Fisheries Council agreed to decide before the end of 1998 on supporting measures that may be introduced for Community fishermen affected by the phasing out of high seas drift nets. Once this is done, the Government will decide on any special measures that should be introduced in the UK.