§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a scheme of grants for work to and equipment for fishing vessels under 12 m in length which is required by the new safety standards. [39815]
§ Mr. BaldryThe safety code for under 12 m fishing vessels is still being developed by the Department of Transport's Marine Safety Agency in consultation with the fishing industry. The aim is to publish the code in 1996 and for it to come into force in 1997 with requirements for existing vessels being phased in over a two-year period. Once the code is finalised the Government will carefully consider the implications for the current vessel safety grants scheme which applies to vessels of 12 m and over.