§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will estimate when local fishermen, including members of the Clyde fishermen's association, will be allowed to fish Loch Long, using demersal gear; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what discussions have taken place concerning the removal of debris from the floor of Loch Long; in what proportions the costs will be shared between Her Majesty's Government and the USA; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyAnnual licences issued by the Queen's harbour master—QHM—Clyde currently permit fishing within Loch Long, including the use of demersal gear.
The hon. Member may have in mind Holy Loch. With effect from July 1993, fishing is now aslo permitted within Holy Loch. We have, however, recently become aware that there is some debris, essentially scrap metal, on the bed of Holy Loch which could pose a hazard to fishing gear. As a precaution, the QHM has issued a local warning notice identifying the area we suspect to be fouled.
We are pursuing this issue as a matter of urgency. If it appears that the debris is related to the erstwhile presence of the United States Navy we shall of course discuss the issue with the appropriate US authorities.