§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fishing vessels are registered in the United Kingdom but beneficially owned in each other EC member state.
§ Mr. NorrisThere are now some 57 Spanish, 21 Dutch and two Danish fishing vessels registered in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) to what degree a fishing vessel is required to show a genuine economic link with the United Kingdom to qualify for registrations and licensing with United Kingdom authorities;
(2) what information he has on the names of fishing vessels registered in the United Kingdom and beneficially owned in other EC member states of the owners of these boats and the United Kingdom link which allows them to be British registered.
§ Mr. NorrisAny vessel fishing for profit is required to give certain details including details of ownership and management and the name of vessel before it can be registered in the United Kingdom.
In line with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 we continue to require that any fishing vessel on the United Kingdom register must be managed and the operations directed and controlled from within the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the claim for compensation by fishing vessels from his Department for the period deregistered will be based on the net earnings of the British companies which owned the vessels concerned prior to 31 March 1989.
§ Mr. NorrisThe applicants seek damages under three heads; expenses, losses consequent on the sale of vessels and losses consequent on the need to provide bonds, fines and legal expenses. The Government do not, however, accept that they are under any liability to pay compensation.