HMS SEVERN AND ILLEGAL FISHING

Early day motion 1546, tabled 22 May 2007 by Bill Wiggin (Conservative). Signed by 37 members.

That this House congratulates the crew of HMS Severn for its recent involvement in bringing the Belgian beam trawler De Marie Louise to justice for under-recording catches of plaice and skate and for using blinders, which are illegal linings in trawl nets, to catch 4,000 illegal undersized sole; notes the importance of effective fisheries enforcement for sustainable fisheries management; and congratulates the Fishery Protection Squadron, which is the oldest front line squadron in the Royal Navy, for its work in upholding marine laws.

Signatures by party: Conservative 14, Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 7, DUP 3, Scottish National Party 1.