§ 6. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the full rate of building grants is not being paid for British fishing vessels at present under construction in Poland; and why the full rate of grant is not being paid on British engines and equipment installed in these vessels.
§ Mr. HoyThe full rate of grant is not being paid on these vessels because we are not satisfied that in this instance the Polish yards are competing on fair terms with our own. An exception in favour of British equipment cannot be made since it would be impracticable to extend this to equipment from other fairly competitive sources.
§ Mr. WallCan the hon. Gentleman confirm whether the decision to pay the full grant or not to pay it is entirely a matter for him and his Department? Will he look into the question of the grant on British built machinery and refrigeration plant again, even where it is fitted to a foreign hull?
§ Mr. HoyAs I told the hon. Gentleman this morning, what we must do is to take steps to protect our own industry. I do not want to go further than that this afternoon. I have nothing to add to it. As I said to him earlier today, if we were to attempt to trace all this machinery it would be a very costly business. If people choose to build abroad, they must accept the terms which are available to them.
§ Mr. Hector HughesCan the Minister give an assurance that any of these ships which are built in Poland will be registered in British ports? Alternatively, will he give as much encouragement as he can to constructing all fishing vessels in British ports rather than in Poland?
§ Mr. HoyIt will be for the owners to decide where to register. I hope that all British owners will want to register in their own country. I assure him that we give all encouragement. This is why we made a differentiation in the subsidy, in order to encourage our people to build in our own shipyards.