Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the operating subsidies for the fishing industry.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy right hon. Friends and I have carefully considered the future of the operating subsidy for inshore white fish and herring vessels in the light of the economic situation of the inshore industry in the United Kingdom and of the representations which we have received from the organisations concerned. Our conclusion is that the subsidy should not be extended after the present scheme ends on 31st July.
The operating subsidy for deep sea vessels is also due to be reviewed and we shall shortly be discussing it with the two trawlers' federations.