To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the number of patrol days carried out by the Hunt class inshore patrol vessels, Island class offshore patrol vessels and River class offshore patrol vessels for the 2006-07 period stated in the answer of 10 December 2007, Official Report, column 61W, on Fisheries: Navy, were different to those stated in the answer of 22 November 2007, Official Report, column 1058W. (176275)

The answers of 22 November and 10 December both stated that the total number of patrol days carried out by patrol vessels of the Fishery Protection Squadron in 2006-07 was 845 days.

The answer on 10 December on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence recorded 227 days by Island class vessels and 618 days by River class vessels. This should have read 227 days by Hunt class vessels.

The answer on 22 November on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs recorded 225 days by Hunt class vessels and 620 days by River class vessels.

The difference in allocation of two days by the two departments resulted from a minor correction to records as a product of staff changes.

The minor statistical difference between departments has no impact on the payment or the performance of the Fisheries Protection Squadron during that period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2007, Official Report, column 1058W, on Fisheries: Navy, whether the unused contracted Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron patrol days may be (a) carried over to future years and (b) refunded to his Department; and if he will make a statement. (176276)

Unused patrol days cannot be carried over from one year to the next.