§ Mr. MossTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received from the inshore fishermen at Hastings and Rye with regard to illegal fishing in their traditional waters by boats of over 10 m in length which hold licences for 10 m and under; [116090]
(2) what assessment he has made of the extent of illegal fishing in inshore waters along the South Coast of England by boats with under 10 m licences but which are above 10 m in length; how many such boats are involved; and what action his Department is taking and planning to take. [116092]
§ Mr. MorleyFollowing representations from inshore fishermen and my hon. Friend for Hastings and Rye (Mr. Foster), the Ministry identified more than 20 vessels, licensed as 10 m and under vessels, whose overall length appeared to have been extended by adding structures (removable or otherwise) and which were effectively operating as over 10 m vessels.
The owners concerned have been advised that they must reduce the overall length of their vessel to 10 m or under, or acquire over 10 m licences by 30 June 2000. If they fail to do so their fishing vessel licences will not be renewed from 1 July 2000. A number of owners have already taken appropriate action and others are planning to do so.