§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the proposals now embodied in the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975, and from whom; and which of such representations he received (a) before and (b) after the publication of these proposals.
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§ Mr. William RossThese rules, which were laid before Parliament on 3rd April by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade, and are due to come into operation on 1st May, have been under discussion with the fishing industry for the past three years. I have, however, recently received representations from the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission about the stationing of a Department of Trade surveyor at Stornoway and from the Clyde and Firth of Forth Fishermen's Associations about the costs to fishermen arising from the rules. My right hon. Friend is at present consulting the industry about the fees to be charged for surveys. These fees will be set out in separate regulations to be laid before Parliament.