§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan at columns 285–86 of the Official Report on 12 March, when consultations with representatives of the fishing industry will be completed; and if he will make a statement;
492W(2) pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan at columns 285–86 of the Official Report on 12 March, if he intends to consult representatives of the Scottish Fishermens Federation and the Scottish White Fish Producers Association; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWe have asked the 56 representative bodies that we have consulted to let us have their written comments on the light dues proposals by 2 April, so that we may consider them prior to the meeting that we are arranging for 6 April. This will provide an opportunity for discussion of the proposals and for any further comments. That would effectively complete the consultation with the industry. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation and the Scottish White Fish Producers Association are among those consulted.