§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to use the Royal Navy to undertake fisheries protection duties in 1993–94; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe provision of surface surveillance is one of a number of services being market tested by my Department as part of its contribution to the "Competing for Quality" White Paper published in November 1991, Cm 1730.
Following detailed negotiations, I can confirm that my Department will continue to use the Royal Navy for fisheries protection duties in 1993–94. The operating arrangements for the Royal Naval vessels are being improved so as to increase their effectiveness.