§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the hazards to shipping and fishing boats now present in the North Sea due to oil operations, he will initiate an insurance scheme for compensation for fishermen against damage.
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§ Dr. John Cunningham, pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 20th March 1978; Vol. 946, c. 433], gave the following further information:
Fishing boats are normally insured privately by their owners. This covers unattributable damage, but in cases where the operator responsible can be identified a claim in respect of damage to either vessel or fishing gear can be made against the company concerned. Damage to fishing gear due to unattributable oil-related debris is covered by a separate compensation scheme funded by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators' Association. These arrangements are discussed regularly in the Fisheries and Offshore Oil Consultative Group on which my Department is represented.