§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will dispatch fishery protection vessels to Tristan da Cunha to prevent illegal drift net fishing in the exclusion zone around the islands; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesRoyal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels visiting Tristan da Cunha supplement the fisheries protection work of the Tristan authorities. The most recent visit was by RFA Diligence on 15 and 16 May. She did not locate any unlicensed fishing vessels.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Taiwanese authorities concerning drift net fishing in the exclusion zone around the Tristan da Cunha group of islands.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesWe have no governmental dealings with the authorities in Taiwan. The Taiwan authorities are, however, aware of our concern over press reports that Taiwanese vessels have been undertaking drift net fishing in the exclusion zone around the Tristan da Cunha group of islands.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he intends to take to prevent drift net fishing in the exclusion zone around Tristan da Cunha.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesAt present RN and RFA vessels visiting Tristan da Cunha supplement the fisheries protection work of the Tristan authorities. We are considering what further action we might be able to take to prevent drift netting in the exclusion zone around Tristan da Cunha.