HC Deb 20 January 1977 vol 924 cc304-5W
49. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many protection vessels, of which classes, and how many helicopters, are at present available for fishery protection.

Mr. Duffy

The following vessels at present undertake fishery protection:

Royal Navy HMS "Jersey" (the first of five new Royal Navy ships of the "Island" Class). Frigates (as required until the "Island" Class is complete).

  • 7 "Ton" Class.
  • 2 "Bird" Class.
  • 1 Fast Patrol Boat.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland 3 Offshore Patrol Vessels (including two essentially of the "Island" Class). 3 Inshore Patrol Vessels.

The Nimrod long-range maritime reconnaissance force of the Royal Air Force provides flying effort equivalent to that of four aircraft at current flying rates; and one Royal Navy Sea Devon aircraft is used as necessary.

Land-based and ship-borne military helicopters are available when needed but none is assigned solely to fishery protection duties.

Other resources of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force can be made available as required.