§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the maximum penalties available to the courts in cases where foreign vessels are convicted of fishing inside British territorial waters; and whether he is satisfied that they are severe enough, particularly in cases where confiscation of catch is considered to be inapplicable because of uncertainty as to how much of it was taken outside British waters.
§ Mr. BishopUnder the Sea Fisheries Act 1968 the maximum penalty which may be imposed on foreign vessels found fishing where they are not entitled to do so is a fine of £500 on summary conviction; fishing gear and catch may also be confiscated. Under the Fishery Limits Bill which was laid before Parliament last week, the Government propose to increase the maximum fine on summary conviction to £50,000 with provision for an unlimited fine on indictment; fishing gear and catch will continue to be liable to confiscation.