§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what sanctions are imposed by the Marine Safety Agency on fishing vessels which are found to have underdeclared their engine capacity. [80238]
§ Mr. MorleyThe recording of fishing vessel's engine capacity is a requirement of the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1993 which are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. New regulations, planned to come into force in September 1999, will enable the de-registration of a fishing vessel where its engine power does not match that registered. Checks on engine power are due to commence on 1 January 2000.