HC Deb 14 March 1996 vol 273 c741W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present size of the Northern Ireland fishing fleet; what was its size in each of the last five years; how many boat owners have sought the financial incentives available to decommission their boats in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [19872]

Mr. Ancram

The number of licensed vessels in the Northern Ireland fishing fleet at the end of February 1996 and at the end of December of each of the previous five years is shown in the table.

Length
Over 10 metres 10 metres and under
1996 199 163
1995 207 161
1994 215 154
1993 219 139
1992 253 n/a
1991 257 n/a

For 1991 to 1993 the information is shown by registered length and from 1994 by overall length. The licensing of 10 m and under vessels was introduced with effect from 1 May 1993.

There were no UK fishing vessel decommissioning schemes in 1991 and 1992. Under the 1993, 1994 and 1995 UK schemes 68, 84 and 30 applications respectively were received from Northern Ireland vessel owners. Under the 1995 Northern Ireland decommissioning scheme for nephrops vessels, 23 applications were received

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