§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received in the last year from the fishing industry in Scotland in connection with the subject of safety improvement grants for wheelhouse alteration; and if he will make a statement on his response to these representations. [35619]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonI have received no representations on this subject.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what alternative eligibility criteria he has evaluated for safety improvement grants for the alteration of wheelhouses on fishing vessels. [34620]
§ Mr. RobertsonThe Fishing Vessels (Safety Improvements) (Grants) Scheme 1995 does not provide grants for structural alterations to wheelhouses. However, equipment to enhance wheelhouse visibility is eligible for assistance—for example, the installation of wandering steering leads or the building of a dome—glass bubble— 513W on top of the wheelhouse with a raised platform underneath upon which the watchkeeper could safely stand, raising his sight level and increasing visibility.