Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order contains emergency prohibitions restricting various activities in order to prevent human consumption of food rendered unsuitable for that purpose in consequence of the likely escape of toxic substances as a result of the sinking in the English Channel of the m.v. Perintis on or about 13th March 1989.
The Order designates an area of sea within British fishery limits affected by the likely escape within which fishing is prohibited (article 3 and the Schedule). Certain other restrictions extend throughout the United Kingdom (article 6).
Under section 21 of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 the penalty for contravening an emergency prohibition is–
on summary conviction, a fine of an amount not exceeding the statutory maximum (at present £2,000);
on conviction on indictment, an unlimited fine, or imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or both.
Powers of enforcement in relation to emergency prohibitions are conferred by section 4 of, and Schedule 2 to, the 1985 Act. Obstruction of enforcement officers is an offence under paragraph 10 of that Schedule.