Belgian Trawlers (Hansard, 10 March 1989)

§ 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 areas; 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.

§ Mr. Steen
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times Belgian trawlers were boarded in area VII during the calandar year 1988 by fisheries protection vessels; and if he will make a statement.
102W

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
In 1988, 135 Belgian fishing vessels were boarded in area VII by United Kingdom fisheries protection vessels.