§ 15. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider lifting the 15 per cent. surcharge on the Norwegian-built fishing vessels already ordered to be imported into this country in the next eight weeks.
§ Mr. MacDermotMy right hon. Friend will deal with this new charge in his Budget statement tomorrow. If the hon. Member will let me have details of the case he has in mind, I will look into the matter.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman mean that the Chancellor will lift the surcharge or ease it in some way? Does the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that these boats were already ordered before the charge was put on? Is he aware that the only result will be to increase the cost to a very vital basic industry? What consultations did the Government have with our Norwegian friends before imposing the surcharge?
§ Mr. MacDermotThe hon. Gentleman knows the answer to the second part of that Supplementary Question. It is well known—it received much publicity—that we were not able to consult. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] I have already answered that question. With regard to the first part of his Supplementary Question, he will appreciate that my reply was not designed to give information and therefore I cannot give any now.
§ Mr. PriorWill the hon. and learned Gentleman also bear in mind that vessels are being built in Poland for the fishing industry? If he sees my hon. Friend the Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Scott-Hopkins), will he also see me at the same time?
§ Mr. MacDermotYes, certainly.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.