HC Deb 25 January 1990 vol 165 cc820-1W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the extent of the required reduction of the United Kingdom's fishing fleet in(a) percentage terms, (b) terms of gross registered tonnage and (c) engine power and approximate number of vessels under the multi-annual guidance programme over the next two years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

The information requested by the hon Member is as follows:

GRT Engine power (kw)
Number Per cent. Number Per cent.
Active fleet size
30 June 1989 165,878 — 849,032 —
Target reductions
31 December 1990 150,336 9.4 785,340 7.6
31 December 1991 141,620 14.6 748,145 11.9

Notes:

  1. 1. Figures are based on commercially active fishing vessels.
  2. 2. Flags of convenience vessels are excluded.
  3. 3. Figures are currently being renegotiated with commision officials.
  4. 4. Vessels numbers are not required for MAGP purposes.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the size of the United Kingdom's fleet of active, commercial fishing vessels in each of the past seven years.

Mr. Curry

The size of the United Kingdom's fleet of active, commercial fishing vessels in each of the past seven years is as follows:

Year Number of vessels
1982 6,797
1983 7,227
1984 7,584
1985 7,920
1986 8,166
1987 8,193
1988 8,125

Information for 1989 is not yet available. The figures have been taken from MAFF's annual publication "Sea Fisheries Statistic Tables" published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office and are as at 31 December of each year.