§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the final period of his charter of MV Southella for fishery protection duties; what was the cost of the charter; and if he proposes to undertake a similar charter in 1991–92.
§ Mr. MacleanThe MV Southella charter to carry out fishery protection duties commenced on 18 July 1990, and was concluded on 23 October 1990. The cost of the charter, including additional inspectorate costs for staff carried on board, totalled £327,452. A decision on whether to charter a vessel next year will depend on the availability of Royal Navy ships, the fisheries protection task to be carried out and the availability of resources.