Pittenweem Harbour (Hansard, 18 October 1989)

§ 11. Mr. Menzies Campbell
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the development of Pittenweem harbour; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Lang
My right hon. and learned Friend recognises the importance of Pittenweem harbour for the local community. He has made a financial contribution towards an initial engineering survey, on the basis of which proposals have been drawn up for the harbour's development.

§ Mr. Campbell
When can we expect an unqualified endorsement by the Government of the proposals for Pittenweem? Is it a failure by the Government to understand the importance of the proposals for the fishing industry in north-east Fife, or perhaps is the truth that the Government are indifferent to the future of Pittenweem and the fishing industry? Is that why the Secretary of State declined to meet representatives of the fishing industry who wished to press the case for those developments?

§ Mr. Lang
My right hon. and learned Friend has made a financial contribution of £50,000 towards the initial engineering survey. Subject to the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures, he will be prepared to support the project in principle if benefits and a sound rate of return on the investment are likely to accrue. No decision can be announced until Fife regional council reconsiders the proposed development and submits a revised appraisal. The findings of the Parliamentary Commissioners will have to be taken into account, and their decision is expected towards the end of the year.

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
I acknowledge the importance of Pittenweem to the fishing industry in Fife, but will my hon. Friend say when the Secretary of State will make a statement on what he is doing about the parlous and critical state of the fishing industry in Scotland in relation to decommissioning, a reformed licensing system and plans for a much better and longer-lasting structure for the industry?

§ Mr. Lang
My noble Friend the Minister of State, Scottish Office is well seized of the urgency and importance of all the issues to which my right hon. Friend refers and will give them his close attention.