HC Deb 04 May 1994 vol 242 cc574-5W
Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions since the decision in December 1993 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 Northern Ireland fishing industry to discuss alternative conservation strategies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

My noble Friend has met representatives of the Northern Ireland Fishing Industry on two occasions since 14 December 1993. The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisation's technical conservation proposals included input from the Northern Ireland fishing industry. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland met the NFFO and representatives of the Northern Ireland industry on 8 March to examine their proposals in detail.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. Ancram

The estimated cost for Northern Ireland of preparing for the introduction of fisherman's days at sea restrictions is £76,500 up to 31 December 1993. No equipment was purchased. No costs have been incurred since 1 January 1994 on such preparations.

Mr. Wallace

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

Mr. Ancram

None.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. Ancram

At the beginning of December 1993 four officials were responsible for assessing fishermen's representations against their provisional days at sea allocations; they have all been redeployed.