§ 32. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce a single rate of payment of white fish subsidy to inshore vessels, in view of the anomalies now arising from the two systems of stoneage and daily rates, or alter the present method of classification by measurement.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. George Willis)The method of payment of white fish subsidy to the inshore fleet was considered in the last subsidy review, but my right hon. Friend is willing to look at the question again and to consult the fishermen's associations about it.
§ Mr. CampbellIs not the system now producing anomalies and difficulties, and is the Minister aware that two boats can receive different payments for similar catches and that, owing to the present method of measurement, the smaller boat can be classified as the larger one of the two?
§ Mr. WillisI am aware of these anomalies and I have discussed them with the fishermen. The matter is not quite so simple as it might seem. The fishermen themselves have differing views about this, but we are prepared to look at it again, and will do so.