STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

The forecast financial statements for the Ministry of Fisheries for the year ending 30 June 2005 contained in this report have been prepared in accordance with section 34A of the Public Finance Act 1989.

The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Fisheries acknowledges, in signing this statement, that he is responsible for the forecast financial statements contained in this report.

The financial performance forecast to be achieved by the Ministry for the year ending 30 June 2005 specified in the Statement of Objectives, as contained within the Output Plan and Forecast Financial Statements, is as agreed with the Minister of Fisheries. The Minister of Fisheries is the Minister responsible for the financial performance of the Ministry of Fisheries.

The performance for each class of outputs forecast to be achieved by the Ministry for the year ending 30 June 2005 specified in the Statement of Objectives, is as agreed with the Minister responsible for Vote Fisheries and that part of Vote Biosecurity relating to Fisheries.

We certify that the information contained in this report is consistent with the appropriations contained in the Estimates for the year ending 30 June 2005 that are being laid before the House of Representatives under section 9 of the Public Finance Act 1989. The table headed 'GST status of departmental output classes: reconciliation between Statement of Intent and Main Estimates for the year ending 30 June 2005' on page 91 of this report and the accompanying explanatory notes, provides a reconciliation between the Statement of Intent and the appropriations contained in the Estimates for the year ending 30 June 2005.

Signed

Warwick Tuck

Chief Executive

6 May 2004

Countersigned

Peter Boon

Manager Corporate

Planning and Services

6 May 2004