HC Deb 15 October 2001 vol 372 cc956-7W
Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long he expects the ban on fishing extending across Luce Bay in Wigtownshire to remain in place due to unrecovered ordnance left by the RAF after testing procedures. [6087]

Dr. Moonie

The area of Luce Bay currently closed to fishing covers approximately 2 square miles. Officials are working with the appropriate authorities to have navigation buoys put in place to mark clearly an area of 0.103 square miles which will be permanently closed to fishing. The work to place the buoys is expected to be completed shortly.

Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to agree compensation provisions for fishermen excluded by MOD restriction orders from fishing grounds in Luce Bay, Wigtownshire. [6086]

Dr. Moonie

The Ministry of Defence has no special plans to agree compensation provisions for fishermen excluded from the fishing grounds in Luce Bay, Wigtownshire. When compensation claims are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability to pay compensation, we do so.

One claim for compensation has been received from a fisherman alleging a loss of earnings caused by his exclusion from fishing grounds in Luce Bay. On investigation, it was determined that in excluding this individual from the area for reasons of safety, the range authorities were acting within their legal rights as laid down in the relevant local bye-laws. As a result, liability was denied and no compensation has been paid.