HC Deb 07 March 1989 vol 148 cc461-2W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when information has been passed by spotter planes working in conjunction with fisheries protection vessels, that Belgian trawlers were fishing in forbidden or restricted waters; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

In 1988, two Belgian beam trawlers were observed by United Kingdom surveillance aircraft illegally fishing within the six-mile limit. In both cases the vessels were prosecuted and financial penalties were imposed by the courts.