HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 cc796-7
9. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many new fishing vessels are being built under the subsidy arrangements of the White Fish Authority; how the distribution runs among the fishing ports; and whether he is satisfied that all ports from which applications for grants have been received are now being effectively supplied with vessels.

Mr. Amory

The White Fish Authority has approved applications for grant on 80 near-and middle-water trawlers. To state their distribution among the ports involves giving a number of figures, and, with permission, I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Rebuilding is proceeding well at some ports, but I hope to see many more applications for grant from most of the major ports before the end of the period for which grants are available. In addition to near-and middle-water trawlers, the Authority has approved applications for grant on 192 inshore vessels and 140 engines for inshore boats.

Dame Irene Ward

May I have an assurance that my right hon. Friend will take as much interest in North Shields, in spite of the bad temper of the right hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Shin-well)? Will he bear in mind that the fishing industry is of equal importance to this country and to the population as the mining industry, and that we want our full share of support?

Mr. Amory

I assure my hon. Friend that my interest in North Shields is unlimited.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Of that very satisfactory number of new vessels built under the subsidy from the White Fish Authority, how many are oil-burning and how many are coal-burning? Is the White Fish Authority taking any steps to en-that all those boats are oil-burning; and against coal-burning ships?

Mr. Amory

I speak without having the figures before me, but I should think that all those boats are oil burning; and probably most of them diesel.

Mr. Hughes

Thank you.

Following are the figures:

NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT APPROVED BY THE WHITE FISH AUTHORITY AT THE DIFFERENT PORTS
Applications approved
Fleetwood … … 23
Lowestoft … … 21
Grimsby … … 11
Granton … … 6
Aberdeen … … 5
Yarmouth … … 4
Hartlepool … … 3
Milford Haven … … 3
North Shields … … 2
Fraserburgh … … 1
St.Monance … … 1
80