§ Mr. SykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the contribution net pingers could make to the safe interaction of dived submarines and fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement. [33126]
§ Mr. SoamesMy Department takes its responsibility for ensuring that fishing vessels can operate safely in areas of submarine activity very seriously. The use of net pingers as a means of enhancing the safe interaction of dived submarines and fishing vessels is one of a number of measures we have carefully considered during extensive consultation with the fishing industry. However, both the Royal Navy and fishermen's representatives have major reservations about the effectiveness of net pingers and, in particular, are concerned that the absence of pinger soundings can never mean that no fishing is taking place. I have, therefore, concluded that, in accordance with the firm views expressed by fishermen's representatives and the Royal Navy, the trial announced in the House by my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Sir A. Hamilton) on 15 June 1992,Official Report, column 425, should be discontinued.
I am confident that the comprehensive package of measures that we have introduced in recent years, including the code of practice which governs the conduct of dived submarines in waters frequented by fishing vessels, and the SUBFACTS broadcast system, provides for the safe co-existence of submarines and fishing vessels. Notwithstanding this, we will continue to monitor closely the effectiveness of these measures and to consider any proposals on how safety might be further enhanced.