HC Deb 20 May 2003 vol 405 cc677-8W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have been submitted in relation to the decommissioning of fishing vessels as part of the most recently announced decommissioning scheme; how many are for boats (a) over 10 metres in length and (b) under 10 metres in length; with what type of fishing these vessels were involved; and how many applications have been (i) accepted and (ii) refused for vessels fishing out of (A) Portavogie, (B) Ardglass and (C) Kilkeel. [113486]

Mr. Pearson

The recently announced decommissioning scheme has yet to be opened for receipt of applications. It is the intention that the scheme will be opened in the near future.

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the closing date for receipt of applications to the most recent fishing vessels decommissioning scheme was. [113487]

Mr. Pearson

The information is as follows:

1. The Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2001 was closed for receipt of application forms on the 15 November 2001 at 3.00pm.

2. I have recently announced a new decommissioning scheme, which will open for receipt of applications as soon as possible.