To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2009, Official Report, column 706W, on fisheries; what recent guidance his Department has issued regarding stability criteria for small fishing vessels following the research commissioned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and if he will make a statement. (279304)

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is analysing the results of the research that it commissioned on stability criteria for small fishing vessels, and considering its practical applicability to fishing vessel operators.

Following that, the MCA will give consideration to the issue of guidance in due course.