§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received concerning the carrying of immersion suits on United Kingdom registered fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Michael SpicerI am not aware of any specific representations recently. The carriage of immersion suits on United Kingdom fishing vessels was of course one of a number of safety requirements put forward by hon. Members during the passage of what is now the Safety at Sea Act 1986, but not included in the Act. Nevertheless, the carriage of lifesaving appliances on fishing vessels is currently under examination by the Department in consultation with the fishing industry as part of the review of the Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many United Kingdom registered fishing vessels were lost in (a) 1982, (b) 1983, (c) 1984, (d) 1985 and (e) the first six months of the current year.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe number and nature of casualties to fishing vessels are published in the Department's annual return "Casualties to Vessels and Accidents to Men". The following table sets out the figures of total losses of fishing vessels for the years 1982 to 1985 and also includes a provisional figure for the first six months of 1986.
Fishing Vessels Total lost Year Number 1982 50 1983 43 1984 41 1985 40 1986 7
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many fishermen lost their lives whilst employed on United Kingdom registered fishing vessels in (a) 1982, (b) 1983, (c) 1984, (d) 1985 and (e) the first six months of 1986.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe following table sets out the information required for the years 1982–85 and also includes the first six months of 1986.
Fishing Vessels 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 Deaths from Casualties to Vessels 0 14 10 15 3 Deaths from Other Causes except disease 17 7 3 7 2 Total 17 21 13 22 5