§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Trade in how many cases the penalties for offences relating to fishing vessels are to be increased under the Merchant Shipping Bill; with which bodies representing fishermen he has had consultations over the proposed increases; and whether the bodies concerned agreed to the proposals.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe penalties for 10 offences relating specifically to fishing vessels are to be increased. None of the increases exceeds the normal maximum fine of £1,000 on summary conviction. They conform with the general pattern adopted for merchant ships and I saw no need for separate consultation.