§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has decided to confirm the proposals of the White Fish Authority to raise the rates of its general and publicity levies.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Government have decided not to confirm the increase sought by the White Fish Authority in its publicity levy. Subject to Parliamentary approval, we intend to confirm the increase sought in the general levy from 0.8p to 1.6p per stone.
The general levy is currently at statutory maximum laid down in the Sea Fish Industry Act 1970 and I have therefore laid before Parliament today a draft order which would increase the statutory maximum. Subject to parliamentary approval of this draft order, I would then lay before Parliament a second order which would confirm the new general levy.