§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the application of the working time directive to fishermen. [61502]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have been asked to reply.
Fatigue is a factor in many fishing vessel accidents. My Department is working with the fishing industry to ensure the sensible implementation of the directive.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the costs to British fishermen of complying with the working time directive. [61503]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have been asked to reply.
My officials are discussing the implementation of the directive with the sea-fishing industry. Because of the nature of the fishing industry in the UK, it is not anticipated that the directive will impose unreasonable financial burdens.