Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Monday, 21 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 June 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 28 June 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fisheries protection vessels are in operation; and where they operate.

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fisheries protection vessels are in operation; and where they operate. [180411] Mr. Ingram: The RN Fishery Protection Squadron currently has three River Class patrol vessels and three Hunt Class MCMVs allocated to Fishery Protection duty, although the number of ships actually on patrol at any given time will depend on the level of fishing activity. Other RN ships can also be called upon to carry out Fishery Protection duties if so required. The RN Fishery Protection Squadron patrols the areas within the British Fishery Limits around the English, Welsh, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Island coasts. The RN also inspects British fishing vessels in international waters. The Scottish Fishery Protection Agency is responsible for patrolling the waters off the Scottish coast.

Secondary information