§ Mr. Muddasked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the co-operation between the Department of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in ensuring that the widest possible range of charges are pressed against the owners and operators of flag of convenience British-registered Spanish fishing vessels when offences of manning levels, manning nationalities and the provision of adequate life saving equipment are believed to have been committed.
§ The Prime MinisterI am satisfied that there is the closest possible co-operation between the Department of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in enforcing manning and safety regulations. The Department of Trade carries out inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations. In addition, any deficiencies discovered by MAFF officers in the course of their duties are immediately reported to the Department, and appropriate action is taken. Five ex-Spanish fishing vessels have been detained in recent months until safety deficiencies were corrected.