§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when fishing vessels are(a) registered an (b) re-registered what checking procedures occur in respect of (i) actual engine capacity, (ii) convictions for illegal fishing, (iii) unpaid fines and (iv) the financial status and viability of the company owing the vessel; and 145W if he will make it his policy to institute such checks and refuse licenses when the results are unsatisfactory. [979]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 22 November 1995:
I have been asked to reply to your Question about the checks undertaken on the registration and re-registration of fishing vessels.Fishing vessels are registered and re-registered in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1993. The only check listed in the Question which is required by the Regulations is details of engine capacity. Such information is provided to the Registry by surveyors and measurers authorised for that purpose by the Secretary of State.Matters concerning the issue of fishing licences are the responsibility of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.