HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc161-2W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the modernisation of the fishery protection fleet of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland.

Mr. Younger

My Department has now completed a review of the composition of the present fleet of fishery protection vessels. Two of the inshore vessels, "Vigilant" and "Brenda", are due for replacement. It has been decided that they should be replaced by a 67-metre offshore vessel of the same design as the "Sulisker", which was launched in June 1980, and by two fast patrol launches. An order for the 67-metre vessel will be placed shortly with Messrs. Ferguson Brothers (Port Glasgow) Ltd. as a follow-on order to the "Sulisker" which is currently fitting out and due to come into service early in January 1981. Further detailed work will be required on the design of the fast patrol launches before an order for construction can be placed. When the new vessels come into service the Department will have a versatile and modern fleet consisting of:

  • 2—67-metre offshore vessel ("Sulisker" and the vessel now to be ordered)
  • 2 — Island Class offshore vessels ("Jura" (built 1973) and "Westra" (built 1975))
  • 2—fast inshore patrol launches (to be ordered)
  • 1—conventional inshore vessel ("Norna" (built 1959))

This fleet will be responsible for patrolling offshore waters out to 200 miles to the West and North of Scotland and inshore waters around Scotland. The rest of the waters within the United Kingdom's jurisdiction are patrolled by vessels of the Royal Navy.