§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many trawlers are presently laid up in the United Kingdom; whether they will be eligible for any compensation from the EEC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopBoth active fishing and laying up are part of the normal pattern of operation and management of fishing vessels. Consequently, my Department's statistics concentrate on permanent alienation from fishing. However, 37 deep-sea vessels are currently laid up in the princial ports, of which 29 are understood to be available to resume fishing as circumstances permit. EEC measures do not provide for compensation in such circumstances.