§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has reviewed the rates of temporary aid to be granted to the fishing industry for the last quarter of this year.
§ Mr. PeartThe Government have reviewed the rates of grant and have decided as follows:
Vessel Length Daily Rates £ 135 ft and over 50 110–134.9 ft 35 80–109.9 ft 30 60–79.9 ft 15 50–59.9 ft 10 40–49.9 ft 5 These grants will not be renewed after this period. The cost for the last quarter is expected to be about £1 million. The EEC Commission is being informed.
§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the state of the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopQuayside prices for the main species are following their usual seasonal pattern and are showing increases which in part offset the steeply rising costs falling on the industry. Further, the Government's policy of temporary aid has enabled the industry to begin adjusting itself to a new balance of costs and prices. But my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Scotland are keeping in very close touch with the industry about its economic circumstances.
The rate of temporary aid to be granted for the last quarter of this year was announced by my right hon. Friend earlier today in a Written Reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. Johnson).