HC Deb 18 December 2002 vol 396 cc824-6W
Mr. Doran

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many refused claims for compensation for former Icelandic trawlermen based in the city of Aberdeen are awaiting(a) first appeal and (b) a decision by the independent adjudicator. [87638]

Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 17 December 2002]: The information is as follows:

(a) 51 Aberdeen-based claimants are currently awaiting a decision on their claim by the official responsible for considering queries about the initial decision of the Watford office.

(b) Eight Aberdeen-based claimants are currently awaiting a decision on their claim by the independent adjudicator.

Mr. Doran

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many refused claims for compensation for former Icelandic trawlermen based in the City of Aberdeen have been overturned(a) at first appeal and (b) by the independent adjudicator. [87639]

Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 17 December 2002]: The information is as follows:

(a) The official responsible for considering queries about the initial decision of the Watford office (as regards either refusal of compensation or the amount awarded) has found in the claimant's favour in 51 cases involving Aberdeen-based claimants. Of these: Nine were as a result of rule changes made in November 2001; 27 were as a result of new documentary evidence being provided to establish a longer period of continuous service than was originally calculated; and 15 were as a result of a different view being taken on the claim. (b) The independent adjudicator has found in the claimant's favour in two formal appeals by Aberdeen-based claimants.

Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims under the Former Icelandic Water Trawlermen Compensation Scheme are still to be processed; how many appeals under the scheme are awaiting a decision; and what the average time to process an appeal has been. [87664]

Nigel Griffiths

There are no claims remaining that have not been considered on at least one occasion. There are 180 currently awaiting further information prior to an initial decision of the Watford office. There are 193 queries regarding the initial decision of the Watford office currently under consideration by the responsible DTI official. Over 1,600 other queries have already been responded to by him. There are 43 formal appeals currently with the independent adjudicator for consideration. The average time taken to process a formal appeal has been 57 days.

Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps were taken by her Department to publicise the Former Icelandic Water Trawlermen Compensation Scheme; how many representations her Department has received from fishermen enquiring about compensation under the scheme since the expiry date; and if she will extend the application process beyond that date. [87665]

Nigel Griffiths

The scheme was publicised in the local press and other relevant publications, with port area MPs and with the British Fishermen's Association, and on the DTI website. While the scheme was in operation, DTI officials also made numerous visits to the main port areas to meet former trawlermen and/or their representatives. Further publicity was arranged in relevant publications and with port area representatives in advance of the 1 October 2002 closure date for new claims. Since that date, DTI officials have received fewer than 10 new inquiries from individuals who might have wished to claim compensation. The scheme rules made clear the closure date was final.

Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Former Icelandic Water Trawlermen Compensation Scheme, affidavits from independent witnesses testifying that a certain ship has been to Icelandic waters during the relevant period will be accepted as proof of that ship's validity and will trigger compensation for those having served on it; and if she will make a statement. [87666]

Nigel Griffiths

At the outset of the scheme, officials—in conjunction with local trawlermen and their representatives—compiled a list of Icelandic-water vessels based on independent contemporary documentary evidence. More vessels have been added to this list as further such evidence has come to light during the period of operation of the Scheme. There are now over 700 vessels on the list. We continue to believe that independent contemporary documentary evidence provides the best basis for assessing the status of particular vessels.