HC Deb 22 November 1951 vol 494 cc565-6
48. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture on what terms he proposes to continue the subsidy on white fish beyond February, 1952.

Sir T. Dugdale

The present subsidy arrangements are due to go on until the end of March, 1952. We shall be considering as early as we can in the New Year whether the subsidy should continue after the end of March, and if so on what terms; but I shall not be able to make an announcement until much nearer the time. If it is decided to continue with the subsidy, the scales and conditions will be reviewed again in the light of all the facts.

Mr. Evans

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the tremendous importance which this subsidy has played in the maintenance of the fishing industry, and will he regard the withdrawal of that subsidy as a very great disaster to the industry in the present circumstances?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir, but we have to pay attention to the state of the industry at the time.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Could my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether he will re-consider the decision of his predecessor regarding the inclusion of shell fishermen within the subsidy?

Sir T. Dugdale

I will certainly look into that.

49. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount to date of the subsidy paid to the white fish industry and how this is allocated to the several fishing ports in Great Britain, exclusive of the subsidy paid in respect of inshore fishing.

Sir T. Dugdale

As the reply contains a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Evans

Could the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give us the aggregate figure now?

Sir T. Dugdale

The total amount of the subsidy paid to the near and middle water sections of the white fishing industry during the 15 months from 31st July, 1950, the date on which the subsidy was introduced, to 31st October, 1951, was £1,239,052.

Following are the figures:

Port Amount Paid (Near and Middle Water Voyages only)
£
England and Wales:
Brixham and Plymouth 34,543
Cardiff 8,856
Fleetwood 113,801
Grimsby 254,244
Lowestoft and Yarmouth 165,940
Milford Haven 133,616
Newlyn 16,697
North Shields 54,665
Swansea 10,507
Other Ports 26,623
Total England & Wales £819,492
Scotland:
Aberdeen 342,357
Fraserburgh 11,894
Granton, Newhaven and Leigh 34,107
Peterhead 7,980
Other Ports 23,222
Total Scotland £419,560
Total Great Britain (to 31st October, 1951) £1,239,052