§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the latest figure of the operational and laid-up vessels of the British distant water fleet; and how these figures compare with the situation in 1977 and 1975, respectively.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe following figures relate to the numbers of vessels of 140 ft. in length and over in the United Kingdom fishing fleet:—
Operational Laid-up December 1979 … 45 13 December 1977 … 47 55 December 1975 … 103 44
§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to assist the distant water fishing fleet in view of the decline in its numbers.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend is currently considering representations made to him by the distant water fishing industry.
§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the serious effect that further restric- 674W tions on mackerel fishing will have on the British distant water fishing fleet, he will take action to offset the effects of the restrictions.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIt is not Government policy to provide compensation for the effects of measures made necessary in the interest of conservation. I am, however, considering representations from the distant water fishing industry for financial assistance towards restructuring the fleet.