§ Mr. Trotterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many British fishing vessels are affected by the change in authorised net sizes made with effect from 1st October under the Fishing Nets (North East Atlantic) Order 1976; and what is his estimate of (a) the number of vessels which will be required to purchase new nets as a result of the change and (b) the average cost per vessel of new nets.
§ Mr. BishopIt is estimated that about 125 vessels in England and Wales may be affected. Of these, about 100 might have to replace parts of their nets because the meshes are too small. The cost of replacement depends on the size of the net, but it would cost about £1,000 to replace the cod end and belly section of a net used by a small (55 foot) boat.