§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he regards as the acceptable minimum size of the United Kingdom trawler fleet.
§ Mr. PeartThe trawler fleet comprises vessels of different sizes and catching capacity, based on different ports and fishing different stocks at varying distances from our shores. It would not be helpful to speculate about its appropriate size at the present time. The important consideration is that it should be able to take full advantage of the fishing opportunities open to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SproatDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that an equally important consideration is that in the past 18 months the United Kingdom trawling fleet has been reduced, overall, by 20 per 2041 cent. and by almost 30 per cent. in Scotland? Is he aware that the inadequate subsidy scheme, which was announced this week, will mean that the number of vessels tied up or transferred may approach 40 per cent. of the fleet by the end of the year? Does he agree that after September there must be an end to this hand-to-mouth existence and that there must be certainty of stable, long-term financial viability in the industry?
§ Mr. PeartThe subsidy was welcomed by the industry. I am surprised at the hon. Gentleman's mean attitude towards the announcement, when he said that the subsidy was not enough. The hon. Gentleman must not be a Mr. Micawber. This is a good deal for the industry, and the hon. Gentleman knows it.