§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he or his officials have had with the French authorities, as an EEC partner in the common fisheries policy, over the new 50 million franc additional aid to the French fishing industry; whether he is satisfied that this aid is permissible under the common fisheries 562W policy; and how exactly the aid is to be divided between different aspects of the French fishing industry.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Minister responsible for fisheries matters in France has described the new French measures to my right hon. Friend. I understand that provision has been made for additional expenditure of FF45 million for the construction, modernisation and adaptation of vessels in the French fleet and to encourage exploitation of new fishing grounds. The question of the conformity of the provisions with Community law is a matter for the Commission of the European Communities.