HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 cc1058-9
41. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated total sum paid annually to Scottish farmers in subsidies.

Mr. Maclay

The total amount of subsidies, including production grants, paid to farmers in Scotland in the financial year 1956–57 was approximately £31,000,000.

42. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual amount of subsidies at present being paid to the Scottish fishing industry.

Mr. Maclay

Subsidy payments to Scottish fishermen amounted to about £1.47 million in the financial year, 1956–57; and are expected to amount to about £1.66 million in the financial year 1957–58.

Mr. Hoy

Is the Secretary of State aware that these figures disclose a very great disparity between the fisher fleet and the agricultural industry? Is he aware that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries said in the debate last Thursday evening that the greatest difficulty in the coming period is likely to occur in Scotland; and secondly, that he said that if something were not done soon, a considerable part of the fishing fleet of Scotland would go out of existence? In view of those statements by that Minister and the figures that the right hon. Gentleman has just disclosed, does he not intend to do something more to save the Scottish fishing fleet?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Gentleman will realise from the debate of the other evening that an inquiry has been set up to look into the whole state of the industry. He will also realise that the schemes for subsidies come up annually for review.

Mr. Hoy

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that by the time this inquiry takes place, it may be far too late; that something has to be done now if the Scottish fishing fleets are to be saved? Does he not intend to do something about it, in view of the statement by his right hon. Friend that this danger does exist?

Mr. Maclay

We are watching the situation very closely indeed. The evidence of that is that we have decided to set up an inquiry.