HC Deb 22 January 1975 vol 884 c341W
17. Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he proposes to protect fishing vessel gear from damage by oil industry debris.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Unlicensed dumping is an offence under the Dumping at Sea Act 1974 and action can be taken against identified offenders. The Fisheries and Offshore Oil Consultative Group is considering other measures to mitigate this problem. I welcome the offer which has been made in principle by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association to provide compensation for damage to fishing gear from oil-related debris.

29. Mr. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases have been reported to his Department of the loss of fishing gear as a result of oil industry debris to the latest convenient date for which figures are available.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

My Department received 33 reports of loss or damage to fishing gear during 1974 which were alleged to have been caused by oil industry debris.

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