§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence when the mothballing or refitting period for the four fishery protection squadron frigates H.M.S. "Dundas", H.M.S. "Russell", H.M.S. "Blackwood", and H.M.S. "Palliser" will begin; and what vessels will be assigned to their duties during those periods.
§ Mr. FoleyOf the four frigates listed by the hon. Member, only H.M. Ships "Blackwood" and "Palliser" formed part of the Fishery Protection Squadron immediately before 1st February. H.M.S. "Palliser" will commence her refit during April while H.M.S. "Blackwood" will begin refitting at the end of August. The 345W remaining frigates which were formerly part of the Fishery Protection Squadron, H.M. Ships "Keppel" and "Malcolm", will continue to be available for fishery protection duties in distant waters, assisted as necessary by other frigates of the Home Fleet. This change will not involve any lessening of patrol activity by the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that captains of fishery protection vessels need specialised knowledge of fishing methods and the behaviour of foreign poachers; and what steps he is taking to equip officers of the home fleet who may be called upon to undertake these specialised duties of protecting British trawlermen.
§ Mr. FoleyThe need for specialised knowledge will be amply met under the new arrangements. As far as the distant water patrols are concerned the staff of the Captain Fishery Protection will provide the necessary expertise and will be available to go afloat as required. Foreign poachers will remain the concern of the coastal minesweepers of the Squadron who are not affected by the change. The captains of these vessels have a wide knowledge of the fishing methods and behaviour of foreign poachers and the task is therefore in capable hands.