HC Deb 21 January 1977 vol 924 cc376-7W
Mr. Paul Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will define the term sheltered waters as used in his answer of 17th November 1976 to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Rathbone).

Mr. Clinton Davis

The term "sheltered waters" has no legal significance under the Merchant Shipping Acts and is, therefore, a matter of professional judgment. Its use on the occasion referred to was intended to described waters within which the expected weather conditions and distance from a port of refuge in relation to the operations of specific fishing vessels were such that it would have been neither reasonable nor necessary to apply some of the provisions of the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Regulations 1975 to these vessels.

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