§ 38. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy ships are currently engaged in fishing protection duties in United Kingdom waters; and what arrangements exist to make more ships available if required.
§ Mr. JuddThere are currently 10 Royal Navy ships in the Fishery Protection Squadron for full-time duties in United Kingdom waters. The offshore patrol ships "Jura" and "Reward" also108W carry out fishery protection duties as part of their wider task. In addition, my hon. Friend will be aware from previous announcements in the House that five new ships and four surveillance aircraft will be entering service in 1977 for fishery protection and a variety of other offshore tasks, including the protection of offshore installations.