asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the involvement of the Naval Service on inshore patrol; the number of vessels employed on this duty; the number of days on which patrols took place in 1980 on behalf of boards of conservators; and if he considers the type of vessel available as suitable for this task having regard to its cost and crew requirements.
Written Answers. - Naval Service Inshore Patrol.
281.
At the request of the Minister for Fisheries, two coastal minesweepers were provided by the Naval Service in support of the boards of conservators during the 1980 salmon fishing season. These vessels were on duty for a total of 41 days. They are more suitable for inshore work than the larger patrol vessels operated by the Naval Service.