§ 53. Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the growing practice of foreign-owned fishing vessels flying the British flag to take advantage of British fishing limits, grants, loans and quotas and related matters.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am aware that a few vessels which were formerly registered in other countries have in recent months become registered as United Kingdom fishing vessels. Current arrangements for the registration of fishing vessels in the British fleet are laid down in the Merchant Shipping (Fishing Boats Registry) Order 192734W for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade is primarily responsible. My Department is in touch with the Department of Trade about amending the 1927 order to tighten up the registration requirements. We are keeping a careful watch on the situation.