HC Deb 16 July 1996 vol 281 c512W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the treaty articles of regulations or directives of the European Community which would govern the operation of a fisheries enterprise whose ultimate ownership was in Austria or Luxembourg under the registration and flag of another member state within European Community waters. [37083]

Mr. Baldry

Any fishing vessel registered in the United Kingdom would have to comply with the requirements of our merchant shipping legislation, which conforms with the general provisions of the treaty of the European Community. That legislation, which is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport, requires, among other things, that a fishing vessel shall not be registered unless it is managed, and its operations controlled and directed from within the United Kingdom. I cannot comment on the legislation that operates in other member states.