§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the fishery cruisers in service or on order have the speed to catch modern fishing vessels from foreign countries.
§ Mr. William RossCivilian fishery protection vessels are much more concerned with deterrence and the detection of vessels fishing at low trawling steeds than with hot pursuit at full speed. Experience with the modern protection vessels "Jura" and "Westra" is that they are eminently suitable for these tasks.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, since the "Azteca" class of fishery protection vessels is cheaper, faster and more manoeuvreable than the present fishery cruisers, he well order some.
§ Mr. William RossVessels of the "Azteca" class would not be capable of continuous operation in exposed northern waters in all conditions of wind and sea in which the larger foreign fishing vessels operate.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to ensure that Her Majesty's Government 740W have adequate means of policing the fishing limits if they are extended to 200 miles.
§ Mr. William RossI would refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Fife, East (Sir J. Gilmour) on 10th December 1975.—[Vol. 902, c.193.]