§ 30. Mr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met representatives of commercial fishermen's organisations to discuss matters relating to the passage of NATO submarines through traditional fishing grounds. [6536]
§ Dr. ReidMy Department maintains regular contact with fishermen's organisations to discuss Royal Navy and other NATO submarine activity in areas frequented by fishing vessels. These discussions cover, amongst other things, the Code of Practice governing dived submarine operations in such areas, which has been agreed with fishermen's organisations and is applicable to Royal Navy and NATO submarines operating around UK waters. The Flag Officer Submarines has a Fisheries Liaison Officer who keeps in close touch with the fishing community, and my officials meet formally with fishermen's representatives once a year to discuss matters of mutual interest. We value all these contacts with the fishing community.