HC Deb 04 May 1994 vol 242 cc564-5W
Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since the decision to suspend the operation of the Sea Fisheries (Conservation) Act 1992 pending a decision of the European Court of Justice he or other Ministers have met representatives of the Scottish fishing industry to discuss alternative conservation strategies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary with responsibility for agriculture and fisheries in Scotland, my noble and learned Friend the Minister of State and I have all met representatives of the Scottish fishing industry since 14 December 1993. In addition, my officials are in constant contact with fishermen's organisations regarding conservation issues.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what expenditure has been incurred by his Department(a) up to 31 December 1993 and (b) since 1 January 1994 in making preparations, including the purchase of equipment, for the implementation of the Sea Fisheries (Conservation) Act 1992.

Mr. Lang

Total expenditure on staff and associated costs up to 31 December 1993 amounted to approximately £140,000. Expenditure after 1 January 1994 totalled £16,000.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what amount of computer hardware and software has been purchased by his Department for the purposes of implementing the provisions of the Sea Fisheries (Conservation) Act 1992.

Mr. Lang

None.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officials of his Department were engaged in work related to the implementation of the Sea Fisheries (Conservation) Act 1992 on 31 December 1993; and how many officials continue to be engaged in work related to the implementation of this Act.

Mr. Lang

At the beginning of December 1993, seven officials were responsible for assessing fishermen's representations against their provisional days-at-sea allocations. Since then all have been redeployed.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are in place for the setting up of appeals tribunals under the Sea Fisheries (Conservation) Act 1992; and how many departmental officials and staff were engaged in work related to the setting up of these tribunals on 1 April.

Mr. Lang

Work on the sea fish licence tribunal has been suspended and no staff were engaged on this work on 1 April 1994.