HC Deb 15 December 1997 vol 303 cc57-8W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of United Kingdom fishing vessels which currently regularly work in fisheries(a) one day or less, (b) two days and (c) three days or more sailing time from ports (i) in the north east of Scotland and (ii) on the west coast of Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [20650]

Mr. Dewar

Any reliable estimate would involve disproportionate costs.

Information is collected on the length of fishing trips and the location of fishing activity, but it would require detailed analysis to identify the patterns of such activity for the fleet for a representative period. Vessels may fish in a number of sea areas during a single fishing trip.