To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many pelagic pair trawlers from each country of origin operated within each area in the UK’s 12 nautical mile limit in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. (190476)

During 2007, six French pair teams and one German pair team were observed. It is difficult to determine if the vessels were pelagic fishing at the time of observation as not all vessels were inspected. The German pair team accessed the UK 12 nautical mile limit in the North sea off the Northumberland coast, the French pair teams were all operating in the English channel. Activity within Scottish and Northern Ireland waters is a matter for those Administrations.