§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, fisheries and Food if she will make a statement about the effect on the fishing industry in south Cornwall of the Ministry of Defence's proposal to site a naval firing range off Dodman point.
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§ Mr. JackThe Ministry of Defence has consulted widely about its proposals to move the naval gunfire support training area from Portland to Dodman point and has arranged meetings and a demonstration firing to inform fishermen of their intentions.
I understand that a feature of gunfire support training is that the Royal Navy works around and does not disrupt fishing operations or disturb other marine activity. However, the area adjacent to Dodman point is regularly fished by a number of mainly inshore vessels from local ports and I am aware that considerable local concern has been expressed. MAFF officials have received assurances that MOD will give very careful consideration to the objections expressed by local fishing organisations.
MoD is now analysing the comments received during the consultation period, which ended on 10 June, before reaching any decision.