HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc519-20
19. Mr. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he has made to the proposals of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation for further financial assistance for the Scottish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

I refer my hon. Friend to my earlier reply to the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond).

Mr. Henderson

Does my right hon. Friend accept that the leaders of the Scottish fishing industry have made effective and responsible proposals to the Government, which are worthy of a better response from the House than the sort of fractious filibustering yesterday, which put off the making of a statement on this matter?

Mr. Younger

I agree with my hon. Friend. One of the great strengths during the controversy over the fishing industry in recent years has been all-party support for the fishermen's case. I should like to keep it that way.

Mr. John Home Robertson

Will the Secretary of State tell the House here and now how much aid will be made available to the fishing industry? Or has the Minister of Agriculture not yet told the Secretary of State how much aid will be given to the industry?

Mr. Younger

If the hon. Gentleman is so anxious to obtain that information—which he should be—he should have persuaded his hon. Friends not to behave so foolishly yesterday.

Mr. Myles

Will my right hon. Friend refute the ridiculous allegations by Ian Grigor in The Scotsman about the inadequate representations to the Government of the fishing industry?

Mr. Younger

I noticed that article, and I was surprised at the suggestion that there was inadequate representation. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation has done a magnificent job in making its case known to all those who are negotiating it within the European Community.

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