HC Deb 19 December 1983 vol 51 c83W
Mr. Steen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will ban the use of trawlers using dredges with teeth with engines capable of more than 300hp within the 12-mile fishing limit;

(2) what steps he is taking to review the damage caused to traditional fishing and trawler grounds and the seabed within the three mile limit as a result of the use of dredges off the south Devon coast;

(3) if he will introduce legislation to bring dredging into line with the current legislation applicable to beam trawlers within the 12-mile fishing limit;

(4) if he will ban the use of trawlers using dredges and displacement of over 70 tons within the 12-mile fishing limit;

(5) if he will ban the use of dredges with teeth for fish within the 12-mile limit.

Mr. MacGregor

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.