§ 43. Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce legislation to provide grants for shore-based owners of vessels to replace their diesel engines.
§ Mr. MaclayI would refer the hon. Lady to the Answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Sir W. Anstruther-Gray) on 26th March.
§ Lady TweedsmuirIs the Secretary of State aware that there is still a demand for such provisions, and that it would benefit trawlers, liners and seine net vessels? As the principle of conversion from coal-burning to oil-fired and dieselengined vessels has been accepted, could he not give consideration to this matter again?
§ Mr. MaclayAs my noble Friend the Joint Under-Secretary explained on a previous occasion, the greatest care was given in our consideration of this matter and I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of any change in the decision at this time.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes not the Secretary of State realise that this matter has been hanging fire for far too long? He has given evasive answers on other occasions, as did his predecessor. Is it not about time that a comprehensive Bill was introduced for the modernisation of the Scottish fishing fleets?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. and learned Gentleman is wrong. The decision has not been hanging fire. The decision has been made, as I have explained.