§ 28 and 29. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he is aware of the deteriorating position of the fishing industry in Malta; when the 1955 report of Mr. Tom Burdon on the revival of this industry 1427 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many loans and how many grants were made to fishermen under the Agriculture and Fisheries (Malta) Act, 1956; and how many vessels obtained a grant out of the Estimates made for this purpose during 1959–60 and 1960–61.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodMost of the main recommendations of the Burdon Report have been implemented and the industry has expanded. Five trawlers have been acquired with loan assistance and two with grant assistance under Maltese legislation, all prior to 1959–60.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Colonial Secretary aware that my information is that the position of the fishing industry in Malta is very serious indeed, and calls for urgent attention and assistance, from this Government? Is he further aware that in 1955 Mr. Tom Burdon made a report recommending the building of twelve trawlers; that out of the twelve trawlers then recommended only seven—six large ones and one small—have been built—and that fishermen have now gone out of business and are selling their trawlers? Will he do something to assist the industry before its position gets any worse?
§ Mr. MacleodMy information about the deterioration of the industry does not agree with the hon. Gentleman's, but I know that he is well-informed in these matters, and I will look into what he says in the light of his Question. Perhaps I can add that my fisheries adviser is going to Malta next month to advise on those points.