§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial assistance he proposes to give to the Scottish Federation of Fishing Co-operatives for the coming financial year for the promotion and development of fishing co-operatives.
§ Mr. John MacKayFinancial assistance for the Scottish Federation of Fishermen's Co-operatives has been made available by the Scottish Development Agency. The agency is still considering the arrangements for 1983–84.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial assistance is available in Scotland for the promotion and development of farming and fishing co-operatives.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe promotion and development of agriculture and horticultural co-operation in Scotland is carried out principally by the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society. The society's costs in carrying out this work are financed by my Department. Individual farming co-operatives may qualify for grants made under the agricultural and horticultural co-operation scheme which is administered by the central council for agricultural and horticultural co-operation.
The Sea Fish Industry Authority has power under section 3(1) of the Fisheries Act 1981 to give assistance by way of loan, grant or guarantee to persons incurring expenditure in forming, carrying on or extending the activities of fishing co-operatives. In addition, the Scottish Federation of Fishing Co-operatives Ltd. receives financial assistance from the Scottish Development Agency for the promotion and development of fishing co-operatives.
Farming and fishing co-operatives may qualify for capital grants from FEOGA for projects connected with the processing and marketing of agricultural and fisheries products.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint to the board of the Sea Fish Industry Authority a representative of fishing co-operatives' interests.
§ Mr. John MacKayThere are no vacancies for appointments of persons by fisheries Ministers, after consultation with the sea fishing industry, as being broadly representative of the interests of the industry. Co-operative interests will be consulted when there is a vacancy in that category. No member of the authority is appointed to represent any particular sector of the industry.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of fish landed in Scotland is caught by fishermen who are members of fishing co-operatives.
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§ Mr. John MacKayThe records kept by my Department do not distinguish between landings made by fishermen who are members of fishing co-operatives and those who are not.