§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) to make a statement on the scope of the White Fish Industry (Grants for Fishing Vessels and Engines) (Amendment) Scheme, 1956, indicating how far this scheme with its increased grants will apply to vessels which, in process of being built under the earlier scheme, are not completed when the new scheme comes into operation; and whether the increased grants under the new scheme will apply to vessels for the building of which applications have been approved but no grants paid when the new scheme comes into operation;
(2) if he will state the number and amount of grants and loans under the White Fish Industry (Grants for Fishing Vessels and Engines) Scheme, 1955, which were approved but not fully executed by the completion of the shipbuilding before the coming into operation of the White Fish Industry (Grants for Fishing Vessels and Engines) (Amendment) Scheme, 1956.
Mr. AmoryI have been asked to reply. The numbers of vessels in Great 193W Britain not completed, but in respect of which grants and loans have been approved are 72 near and middle water vessels and 86 inshore vessels. The amounts of the grants and loans payable will depend on the final cost of the vessels. The Amendment Scheme only affects near and middle water vessels costing over £100,000. In such cases where grant has not already been paid arrangements are being made so that the new ceiling will apply. A few cases where grant has already been paid but the vessel is not yet completed are under separate examination.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the trend of building costs for fishing vessels continues to rise; that, in consequence, contracts for the building of fishing vessels now normally contain a clause providing for variation in the building costs according to the increases in the price of labour and materials; and if he will now take steps to empower the White Fish Authority to provide similarly
Period Outbreaks of Atrophic Rhinitis Pigs Slaughtered Compensation Paid 1954 (May—December) … … 4 876 £22,149 1955 … … 8 1,189 £68,863 1956 (to 31st July) … … 8 1,662 £50,824
§ Mr. J. E. B. Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made towards the eradication of atrophic rhinitis in pigs; what precautions are required after an outbreak; and on what basis compensation is paid for animals slaughtered.
Mr. AmoryOutbreaks of atrophic rhinitis continue to occur but they are sporadic. All pigs on affected premises are slaughtered and the premises are then disinfected. Compensation for affected pigs is half the value of the animals immediately before slaughter, and for other pigs the whole of their pre-slaughter value.