§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the fact that the Danish Government's unilateral 12 miles fishing limit of the Faroes came into force on 11th March and that the British Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron is now patrolling that fishing area, how many vessels constitute that squadron; of what kind they are; how they are armed; what are the limits of their duties; and what international incidents have occurred since they went there.
127W
§ Mr. HayAs I informed the hon. and learned Member on 11th December, 1963, there are four frigates, four coastal minesweepers and two inshore minesweepers in the Fishery Protection Squadron. Only the frigates armed with three 40 mm. quick-firing Bofors guns are suitable for work in distant waters.
One frigate has been sent to patrol for the time being outside the new fishery limits off the Faroes. H.M. ships will not assist the Royal Danish Navy to enforce the new limits, but will give advice to any British fishing vessels which are uncertain as to the position of the new limits, and will safeguard their interests outside the limits. In general, any fishing inside the limits will be at the risk of those concerned, but
— 1958–59 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62 1962–63 3,428,882 3,234,629 3,624,865 3,511,043 3,638,007 Number of Ships … 4,959 5,262 4,686 4,791 4,797 Figures for 1963–64 are not yet available.
Since no duties are levied on bunker exports and harbour dues do not accrue to the Aden Government, revenue derived by the latter from bunkering is indirect. It is not possible to arrive at any exact figure of its amount.