§ 13. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications have been submitted for grants and loans in respect of trawlers; and how many trawlers have been granted loans since the inception of the scheme, in Scotland as well as in England and Wales.
§ Mr. SoamesSince the grant and loan schemes began in 1953, there have been 317 applications for grants and loans for new trawlers for England and Wales and 182 for Scotland. For England and Wales 234 and for Scotland 124 applications have been approved.
§ Dame Irene WardYes, but would my right hon. Friend tell me how many of these approvals were related to tenders? Is he aware that in a letter to me recently I was told it would be very difficult to obtain tenders for trawlers? Is he aware that what I should like to know is, if it is difficult to obtain tenders for trawlers why do we have to have this arrangement that any trawler owner can place an order abroad if he so desires—if it is so difficult to have tenders? Would my right hon. Friend please answer the full implications of my question?
§ Mr. SoamesYes. The question of tenders applies specifically to a trawler owner who is wishing to place an order abroad. The White Fish Authority would not allow him a grant and loan on that order unless he had got tenders in this country. It was as a protection to our shipbuilding industry that this was put in. The House will remember the discussion we had on it some time back. Since the beginning of last August, when the restrictions on grants and loans to foreign built vessels were lifted. seventy-nine applications have been received by the White Fish Authority, and none of those was for a vessel to be built abroad.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my right hon. Friend tell me how many of the total grants and loans which have been agreed have been the basis of tenders given to the trawler owners who are trying to make their arrangements with shipbuilders?
§ Mr. SoamesThe need for tenders applies specifically if a trawler owner wishes io build abroad.