HC Deb 12 June 1986 vol 99 cc282-3W
38. Mr. Dixon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has about the current size and standard of the English and Welsh fishing fleet; and how this compares with the position five years ago.

Mr. Gummer

The number of fishing vessels over 40 feet in length in the English and Welsh fleets at the end of 1985 was 899 compared to 1,133 vessels at the end of 1981. Information for 1985 on the number of vessels under 40 feet in length is not yet available, but the number in the fleet at the end of 1984 was 4,079 compared to 3,504 at the end of 1981.

Information on the age structure of the fleet is not yet available for 1985, but figures for 1984 and 1981 are as follows:

Age Structure of English and Welsh Fleet
As at end 1981 per cent. As at end 1984 per cent.
26 and over 49 47
21 to 25 17 16
16 to 20 9 13
11 to 15 10 14
6 to 10 12 7
5 and under 3 3