§ 61. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present strength of the fishery protection squadron; how many arrests it has made since the extension of British fishing limits; and what penalties have been imposed.
§ Mr. HoyThe present strength of the fishery protection squadron is 10 vessels (4 frigates and 6 coastal mine-sweepers). Since the extension of British fishery limits on 30th September, 1964, five 213W French and five Belgian vessels have been arrested for infringements of fishery limit regulations. The penalties imposed have ranged from absolute discharge in one case to fines of the maximum penalty of £250 plus confiscation of gear and costs. One of the Belgian vessels and four additional French vessels which have been arrested have been charged with using nets with meshes below the prescribed minimum size. The penalties imposed for these offences have ranged from £75 to £200 plus costs with the confiscation of the offending nets.