§ Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now make an announcement about the new scheme of grants and loans for herring and inshore fishermen.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe Sea Fish Industry Act, 1951, and the Herring Industry Scheme, 1951, already enable the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board to make loans to meet the cost of providing white fish or herring vessels or their gear. The Government propose to introduce legislation at the first opportunity to provide in addition for 185W grants for building and equipping fishing vessels not exceeding 140 feet in length. I cannot anticipate the details of the Bill, but our intention is that grant should be at the rate of not more than 20 per cent. with a maximum of£16,000 and, in the case of the smaller vessels owned by working fishermen, 25 per cent. with a maximum of£4,000.