§ 24. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will revise and increase the 1040 grants to be paid for the conversion of fishing vessels from coal burning to oil burning with a view to the replacement of coal-burning fishing vessels by oil-burning fishing vessels.
Mr. AmorySuch grants are not at present available. To introduce them would require legislation and this is under consideration.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise the importance of this matter? Will he introduce legislation to have the desired effect? Does he realise that there are here involved very grave consequential problems affecting owners, crews and consumers, and that the matter is an urgent one requiring immediate attention?
Mr. AmoryI agree as to the importance of the subject. The hon. and learned Gentleman will know, of course, that loans are available now.