§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Trade what assessment has been made of the effects on the fishing industry of the increased survey fees for fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisSurvey fees under the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975 have been calculated on the usual basis that they will recover from the owners of the vessels concerned the full cost to the Government of providing the service. This cost has been calculated on the basis of estimated surveyor hours, including travelling and office time, and overheads, and will be kept up to date.
The new rules come into operation for different categories of existing vessels over a period of six years. Of a total of over 2,300 such vessels, less than 10 per cent. will become subject to statutory survey before 1st April 1977. These are all vessels of 15 metres in length and upwards, the keels of which were laid before 1st January 1947. It is estimated that, at the present rate of charge, revenue from fishing vessel surveys will be approximately as follows:
£ Year ending 31.3.76 60,000 1976–77 70,000 1977–78 160,000 1978–79 180,000 1979–80 180,000 1980–81 550,000