HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 cc39-40W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Minister for Trade (1) if, when his Department's officials boarded the fishing vessel "Le Phreeto", registered number PH 401, during the week ended 4 December, they took steps to ascertain whether she complied with the minimum requirements concerning life-saving equipment on board; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether steps were taken to ascertain if the owners and operators of the fishing vessel "Le Phreeto", registered number PH 401, had an English mate as well as an English skipper when she was arrested in the week ended 4 December; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sproat

An official from the Department's Falmouth office visited the vessel on 3 December to establish whether a skipper and second hand with United Kingdom certificates of competency were on board as is required for all United Kingdom fishing vessels proceeding beyond the "limited area" and all United Kingdom fishing vessels of 16.5 metres in length and over. The officer reported that the skipper on board did not have his certificate of competency available for inspection and a United Kingdom certificated second hand was not present. Further inquiries are being made to establish the extent of any contraventions of the regulations. The officer was not required to inspect the carriage of lifesaving equipment as the vessel is already under survey in accordance with the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975.

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