§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of State for Defence how many sea areas lying off the coast of Great Britain are designated by byelaws or regulations as restricted areas for the purpose of ordinance or missile testing; and what area is covered by each, respectively.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourIt has not been possible to obtain the information requested in the time available. I will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will give an undertaking that in any sea areas which restrict use by British fishermen EEC fishermen will not be allowed to enter those areas when the restrictions apply.
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§ Mr. Ian GilmourAt present, fishermen from other EEC countries are debarred from fishing within the United Kingdom exclusive fishery limits, generally six miles from the coast. The legislation under which byelaws covering Ministry of Defence ranges are made provides no legal powers to prevent foreign vessels from fishing in any area outside these exclusive fishery limits. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that, should military activities be suspended because of the entry by any foreign vessel into an area covered by byelaws but which is outside the exclusive fishery limits, there would be no restriction on British vessels entering that area during the period of suspension.