§ 4. Mr. Croslandasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to replenish the funds available to the White Fish Authority for loans and grants for the construction of new fishing vessels.
§ Mr. SoamesAn Order to increase by £2 million the funds available for grants is awaiting approval by the House, and a Bill which will increase the limit on loans by £5 million has been presented and will shortly be discussed.
§ Mr. CroslandWhilst thanking the Minister for both the Bill and the Order, may I ask him whether in future he will try to avoid the awkward interval which occurred between the White Fish Authority finding out about it and the new Bill, as this created a great deal of uncertainty about the industry's building plans?
§ Mr. SoamesAs soon as the Authority came to us we put the necessary legislation in hand but, as the hon. Member knows, it takes some time to prepare legislation.