§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Aberdeen about the state of the fishing industry; what consequences have been indicated as likely to ensue if no aid is given; and what aid has been requested.
§ Mr. YoungerAberdeen district council, in association with the catching and shore-based sections of the fishing industry, submitted to me a memorandum on the state of the fishing industry based on Aberdeen which proposed a variety of Government aids. My noble Friend the Minister of State met representatives of the council and the industry on 16 May.
The delegation forecast that without financial assistance, either specifically for the local fleet or for the industry generally, the decline of the port would continue. My noble Friend emphasised that it would be wrong to treat one port in isolation and pointed out that the Government were now aiding the UK fishing industry through the fish producer organisations subsidy scheme and through support for exploratory voyages.