§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what fisheries protection cover operates in the North sea normally to assist British fishing vessels; what was in operation on the night of 10–11 November; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackBritish sea fishery limits adjacent to England and Wales are patrolled by vessels from the Royal Navy's fishery protection squadron. At any one time there will be between two and four vessels on task to this Ministry.
On 10 to 11 November, four vessels were on patrol, in the North sea, the East English channel, the Bristol channel area and in the south-west approaches.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the number and scale of incidents between British fishing vessels and French vessels in each of the last five years in(a) the North sea and (b) other British waters; and what action the Government took in each case.
§ Mr. JackThe Ministry does not keep comprehensive records of incidents involving gear disputes either between United Kingdom fishing vessels or between United Kingdom fishing vessels and those from other countries. Any action taken by the Ministry would depend on the particular circumstances of the incident.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement about the incident between the fishing vessel Breydon Warrior and a French trawler on the night of 10 to 11 November in the North sea when fishing gear was damaged;
(2) if he will make a statement on what compensation is available to British fishing vessel owners who have fishing equipment damaged by French vessels; and what are the procedures for addressing compensation claims.
§ Mr. JackThe Ministry has not received any detailed account of the incident from the owners of the Breydon Warrior. I understand, however, from local press reports and a summary report provided by the coastguard that the Breydon Warrior's fishing gear was lost following an incident involving a French trawler. Incidents of this sort are regrettable and the Ministry encourages those concerned to co-operate and to reach agreements aimed at minimising conflict between different methods of fishing. Compensation is normally a civil matter for resolution between the parties concerned but, if requested, the Ministry is prepared to advise on the procedures to be followed.