§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vessels on the United Kingdom register of fishing vessels are owned by interests based in the Netherlands. [39364]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
474WLetter from R. M. Bradley to Dr. Gavin Strang, dated 2 November 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about he number of UK registered fishing vessels owned by interests based in the Netherlands.Unfortunately this information is not available. When the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1993 came into force on 21 March 1994, the only eligibility requirement for companies wishing to register fishing vessels on the UK register was that they be incorporated in a member state of the European Economic Area with a place of business in the UK. It is therefore no longer necessary for the Register of Shipping and Seamen to know the nationality of shareholders and thus the information you require is not collected.