HC Deb 17 October 1990 vol 177 cc829-30W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many Spanish vessels will be permitted to engage in fishing of the United Kingdom quota in terms of the decision of the British and Euro courts on interim relief; how many United Kingdom boats are entitled to fish for the same quota; and if the Spanish vessels which have successfully claimed interim relief will be entitled to compensation from the United Kingdom Government.

Mr. Curry

Only United Kingdom-registered and licensed vessels may fish against the United Kingdom quota. The interim relief granted to applicants in the Factortame case is restricted to the requirement that owners and shareholders be resident and domiciled in this country and affects only 53 vessels. The requirement that vessels should be managed and their operations controlled from the United Kingdom remains.

At present approximately 3,200 boats are licensed to fish in the United Kingdom. The House of Lords granted interim relief to the Factortame applicants on the grounds, among others, that damages would not be available.