§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received on the independent adjudication of the Compensation for Former Icelandic Water Trawlermen scheme; and what action she is taking on those representations. [116593]
§ Nigel GriffithsI have been corresponding with Mr. Whybrew, the independent adjudicator for the scheme, on a number of issues he has raised regarding the classification of Icelandic water vessels for the purposes of the scheme. I also had a meeting with him on 20 May 2003 to discuss these issues and will be seeking independent legal advice from Counsel on the Departments view that independent contemporary document evidence of voyages to Icelandic waters is required in order to establish a vessels status as an Icelandic water vessel. Mr. Whybrew will be consulted on the instructions to Counsel and will see his advice.