§ Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated cost of putting a new steam drifter to sea, for the purposes covered by the Herring Industry Act assistance scheme; the cost of 82W a 70-foot diesel-engined vessel for the purposes covered by the White Fishing Industry Act assistance scheme; and what steps have been or are being taken to make known fully to the fishing communities the financial aspects of both these assistance schemes.
§ Mr. WestwoodSo far as I am aware no proposals have been made for the building of new steam drifters, and in these circumstances no estimates are available of the cost of putting a new steam drifter to sea. The cost of a 70-feet diesel-engined boat would vary with the individual specification, the equipment and the type of engine, but I understand that the lowest price for which such a boat could be built in Scotland at the present time is approximately£7,500. The arrangements for assistance made under the Herring Industry Act and the Inshore Fishing Industry Act were published in the Press in November, 1945, and January, 1946, respectively and, as then intimated full information is available at all District Fishery Offices.
§ Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of applications from all the Outer Hebrides for grant and/or loan, and for charter, respectively, of herring fishing boats under the assistance scheme; the number of applications for loan and/or grant towards purchase of vessels under the White Fishing Assistance Schemes from the same islands; the number of requests for assistance in repair of vessels or replacement of gear; the number of applications decided favourably and the number otherwise; and whether he is satisfied that suitable vessels for both white and herring fishing are now available readily in Scotland.
§ Mr. WestwoodTwo applications for assistance under the Herring Industry Act, 1944, have been received from the Outer Hebrides. These applications are for assistance in the purchase of nets and gear for herring fishing and are under consideration by the Herring Industry Board. No applications have been received from the Outer Hebrides under the Inshore Fishing Industry Act, 1945. As regards the last part of the Question the difficulties created by war have resulted in a shortage of fishing vessels as of other essential equipment but the hon. 83W Member may rest assured that all practicable steps are being taken to have vessels made available as quickly as possible.