HC Deb 19 June 1968 vol 766 c140W
53. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the high rates of interest, whether he will permit the purchasers of new fishing vessels, on which grant is being paid, and on which the same purchasers have to find 25 per cent. of the price, only to pay the first 15 per cent. and not require them to find the balance, until the grant has been paid.

Mr. John Mackie

It is an essential safeguard for public funds that the applicant's full share of the cost should be paid before the grant. But the hon. Member's point would be met by our proposal to increase the maximum assistance by way of grant and loan available for inshore vessels from public funds to 90 per cent. of the cost.