asked the Minister for the Marine arising from the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 21 on 24 November 1987 the names and addresses of all the fishermen who have received licences of approval in principle for licence for beam trawlers in 1987; the conditions which attach to the licences; and if he will outline what makes an approval in principle different from a licence.
Written Answers. - Fishery Licences.
64.
It has not been the practice that particulars in respect of fishermen, who have submitted applications for sea-fishing boat licences on a confidential basis, should be made known.
The approval in principle for the five beam trawlers was granted to enable the applicants proceed with their negotiations for suitable fishing vessels, safe in the knowledge that a sea-fishing boat licence would be available on completion of the purchase as subject to the usual criteria being met. It would not be reasonable to expect fishermen to proceed and possibly enter into financial commitments without some certainty about the licence situation.
The usual licence conditions, which apply in respect of beam trawlers, would apply in these instances also.