§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to amend the provisions of the Finance Act 1984 with a view to restoring to fishing vessel owners the right to claim 100 per cent. first-year capital allowances on their vessels; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will meet representatives of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation to discuss the impact of the provisions of the Finance Act 1984 in so far as it relates to first-year capital allowances on fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement;
671W(3) if he will review the impact on investment in the Scottish fishing industry of the withdrawal of first-year capital allowances on fishing vessels as a result of the provisions of the Finance Act 1984; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what representations he has received from the Scottish fishing industry in relation to capital allowances for fishing vessels, under the Finance Act 1984; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[pursuant to his replies, 2 February 1987, c. 538]: The Scottish Fishermen's Federation has recently urged the restoration of 100 per cent. first-year allowances for the cost of acquiring fishing vessels and have asked for a meeting. Their representations are being considered. I can confirm that the overall effects of the business tax reforms introduced in 1984 are kept under review.