§ 62. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware of the inadequate service of Her Majesty's patrol boats for the protection of Aberdeen's fishing fleets in the North Sea; how many patrol boats are now serving there; and what steps he is taking to improve the service.
§ Mr. FoleyNo. I believe that the ships of the Fishery Protection Squadron provide an excellent service in the North Sea Fishing areas. Those principally concerned are the six minesweepers of the Squadron although these are reinforced from time to time by other R.N. vessels.