§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a cost benefit analysis was carried out by the Department of Agriculture(a) before an undertaking to operate the research vessel Lough Foyle was entered into, (b) before or (c) after a decision was taken to seek funding for the vessel; and what are the benefits which justified the commitment.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 20 March 1990]: Yes to (a) and (b).
The benefits will derive from improved long-term management of exploitable marine stocks with the objective of providing enhanced yields in order to sustain a viable Northern Ireland sea fishing industry. Additional R and D will enhance scientific knowledge of complex interactions in the marine ecosystem and environment.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) part-time and (b) short term contract scientific staff have been appointed to new scientific posts created to work on the research vessel Lough Foyle.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 20 March 1990]: No part-time or short-term contract scientific staff have 17W yet been appointed. A total of 13 non-scientific staff for crewing the vessel are being employed through an agency agreement with the private sector.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many permanent staff have been appointed to the new scientific posts created to work on the research vessel Lough Foyle.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 20 March 1990]: In 1989–90 one scientist, at grade 6, was appointed. A further 11 permanent and one temporary scientific staff are currently being recruited.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what analysis of the costs of berthing the research vessel Lough Foyle was carried out; whether(a) Coleraine port and (b) Londonderry port were considered and costed; what are the financial benefits per year in favour of Belfast since the vessel came into service; and what are the projections for the next three years.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 20 March 1990]: Berthing costs are insignificant in terms of the overall costs of the vessel. The overriding factor is the cost of fuel to reach the target sea areas requiring R and D and monitoring. Londonderry and Coleraine are, therefore, not appropriate ports.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any estimate has been made of the replacement cost of the research vessel Lough Foyle; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 20 March 1990]: Replacement of the vessel has not yet been considered. A review will take place when appropriate taking into consideration policy and scientific needs.