HC Deb 15 May 1980 vol 984 cc630-1W
Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated total of distant water fishing vessels now operational and laid up, respectively; and how these totals compare with two years ago.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The latest information available to me is that 39 United Kingdom fishing vessels of 140 feet or over in length are operational and 13 are laid up. The corresponding figures for May 1978 were 51 and 38.

Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action he is proposing to take to prevent the laying up of further distant water trawlers in Hull.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan).