To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to seek to reduce the number of fouled propellers from unmarked lobster and crab pots.

I know that my noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping has already advised my hon. Friend that the best way of making progress on this issue is through better communications locally between fishermen, yachtsmen and others. This remains of prime importance. In view of the clear concern however he will seek means of advising fishermen of the problem and of emphasising the importance of their marking their pots adequately.