To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2008, Official Report, column 1624W, what the number of vessels he has identified for decommissioning is; and if he will make a statement; (191734)

DEFRA officials are currently working on the form of a potential decommissioning scheme for under 10 metre vessels. If I decide that a decommissioning scheme is appropriate, I would expect to be in a position to formally consult on the details of such a scheme in the summer of this year. Until then, it is not possible to say whether vessels will be “identified for decommissioning”. Previous schemes have not identified vessels, but set parameters within which certain vessels would be eligible.

The final cost of any decommissioning scheme is related to the scheme design, the monies available, and the number of vessel owners that apply to decommission their vessels. For planning purposes, I have set aside up to £5 million and would draw on funds both from the EU and national sources.