HC Deb 29 June 1988 vol 136 cc255-6W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about vessels arrested and other measures taken against contravention of the regulations governing fishing in the Falklands interim conservation and management zone.

Mr. Eggar

Vessels from the Republic of Korea were arrested on four occasions in April and May 1988 for fishing illegally in the Falkland Islands interim conservation and management zone and were fined a total of £260,000 by magistrates in Port Stanley. A Polish vessel received an administrative penalty of £1,000 for unlicensed transshipment of fish.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which United Kingdom trawler operators are now engaged in Falkland Islands and South Georgia waters, respectively; what is the effect on employment in those territories and in the United Kingdom, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The following United Kingdom trawler operators and licence holders are currently engaged in Falkland Island waters:

  • Berkeley Sound Shipping Company
  • Caley International Limited
  • Coalite
  • Fishing Explorer Limited
  • International Fisheries Investment Limited
  • Marr (Falklands) Limited
  • Seaboard Offshore
  • SPF Atlantic Fishery
  • Witte-Boyd Holdings

None is at present engaged in South Georgia waters.

There is negligible unemployment in the Falkland Islands. British companies are training islanders in fisheries-related skills. There is no indigenous population in South Georgia.

The Falklands fishery has created welcome job opportunities for British seamen and others involved in fisheries activity.