The Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 1994

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Scheme)

This Scheme provides for the making of grants by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretaries of State respectively concerned with the sea fish industry in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, in respect of the decommissioning (by scrapping) of fishing vessels registered in the United Kingdom.

Provision for decommissioning grant is made pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3699/93 laying down the criteria and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and the processing and marketing of its products (O.J. No. L346, 31.12.93, p.1) (as read with Council Decision 94/15/EC relating to the objectives and detailed rules for restructuring the Community fisheries sector over the period 1st January 1994 to 31st December 1996 with a view to achieving a lasting balance between the resources and their exploitation (O.J. No. L10, 14.1.94, p.20)) which supersedes Council Regulation (EEC) No. 4028/86 on Community measures to improve and adapt structures in the fisheries and aquaculture sector (O.J. No. L376, 31.12.86, p.7).

Applications for grant will be considered in respect of vessels meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 3 of the Scheme. Applications must be made in accordance with paragraph 4 and must include a bid by the applicant for the amount of grant for which he offers to scrap his vessel (paragraph 5). Bids will be considered in accordance with paragraph 6.

No grant will be paid unless the conditions set out in paragraphs 9 to 12 have been complied with (paragraph 8). Successful applicants will receive by way of grant the amount for which they bid (paragraph 13).

Provision is made for the refusal or recovery of grant in specified circumstances (paragraph 14).

Offences and penalties in connection with this Scheme are provided by section 17 of the Fisheries Act 1981.