§ 104. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence how far Her Majesty's protection vessels patrol in the North Sea and waters further north and east for the protection of British fishing vessels; with what results during the last 12 months; and what consequent plans he has for extending their scope.
§ Mr. FoleyDistant water patrols have been carried out during the last 12 months as far north and east as the North Cape of Norway. Fishery protection is primarily a policing function. There have been few fishery protection incidents in distant waters in this period, and there are no plans for extending the patrols. The patrolling frigate has been able to give technical and medical assistance to a number of British trawlers.