HC Deb 18 February 1991 vol 186 cc66-7W
Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice to operators of fishing vessels his Department has issued pending the introduction of electronic identification equipment.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

When submarines are operating on the surface normal "rules of the road" apply. In the case of dived submarines, it is the responsibility of the submarine's captain to keep clear of surface craft. In addition, designated submarine exercise areas are clearly marked on all Admiralty charts and fishermen are advised to keep special watch for submarines on or near the surface while transitting these areas. In the Firth of Clyde, where submarine movements are most frequent, mariners are given advance warning of the times and general areas in which dived submarine operations are planned.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects electronic identification equipment to be made generally available for use on fishing vessels.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Trials of these devices have not yet been completed. It is too early to say when they may become generally available, but I hope that commercially produced models will be ready later this year.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what trials have been undertaken by his Department into the use of electronic identification equipment on fishing vessels operating in waters used by submarines.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Initial trials involving a static device took place last summer and trials of a towed device were carried out in December. Further trials involving a range of commercially produced devices will take place in the near future.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the electronic identification equipment tested by his Department costs per unit; and whether he intends to make it available free of charge.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It will not be possible to estimate the cost of these devices until the trials programme has been completed and the specification for the devices has been finalised. No decision on funding has yet been taken.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any trials into the use of electronic identification equipment on fishing vessels have examined their effect on the behaviour of marine life.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No. The purpose of the trials being conducted by the Ministry of Defence is to establish whether net pingers provide an effective means of improving a submarine's ability to detect fishing nets.