§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current availability of funds to the White Fish Authority to assist the building of new fishing vessels; what representations he has received from the fishing industry and from boat builders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThe Government's policy remains to provide, within the overall constraints on public expenditure, a reasonable level of funds for assisting the construction of fishing vessels. The financial provision for the White Fish Authority for the year 1979–80 will not be settled until the House has considered the Estimates. I understand meantime that the Authority has said that because of existing commitments it is unable to approve any more vessels attracting payment of grant in that year.
I understand that the Scottish Fishermen's Federation proposes to submit representations to my right hon. Friend. These will be carefully considered.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and I met the Fishing Boat Builders' Association on 22 March. The Association expressed its concern about the possibility of a standstill on grants and undertook to provide an assessment of the effects on the yards.