§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now announce a decision on the levy and other proposals made to him by the White Fish Authority.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesMy right hon. Friends and I have decided, after full consideration of the objections received and after consultation with the Authority, that the General Levy Regulations and the Publicity Scheme should be confirmed with modifications. The main changes which we are making are that the basic rate of general levy will be reduced from the proposed rate to 1.2d. a stone and that there will be certain exclusions from liability to levy. The details are being given to the industry. An order confirming the General Levy Regulations with effect from 15th February and a draft order to confirm the Publicity Scheme will shortly be laid before the House. Consultations are taking place with the Authority on the Minimum Prices Scheme for Scotland and Northern Ireland, which we have approved in principle, and a further announcement will be made as soon as possible.