HC Deb 10 March 1989 vol 148 c97W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had since 11 February about a grants and licensing scheme for fisheries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I had an opportunity to discuss both vessel licensing and the size of the fleet at a meeting with representatives of the fishing industry on 15 February. At that time, I made it clear that no options for reducing the size of our fishing fleet had been ruled out, and that these options included a decommissioning scheme; but, before we would be prepared to consider such a scheme, we would need to be satisfied that it would provide value for taxpayers' money and that there were no better alternatives.