HL Deb 16 May 1975 vol 360 cc953-4
Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNE-SIDE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was a follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether an ice proceessing plant for the fish quay at North Shields to help the trawler fleet will be available through the EEC.

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, the EEC could, under certain circumstances, give financial aid towards the provision of an ice processing plant, provided that it is also aided by Her Majesty's Government, but it would first be necessary to have an application before its eligibility could be decided.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNE-SIDE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Does he agree that all that can be done to help the fishing industry at this time is of great imporance? I hope that action will be taken and that a quick answer will be forthcoming.

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, I accept what the noble Baroness says about everything possible needing to be done to help the fishing industry, but the fact remains that no one has asked for any aid in connection with this ice processing plant.

Lord DAVIES of LEEK

We are not running around Europe with a begging bowl!