§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to bring forward a temporary scheme to alleviate the price of fuel for fishing vessels while the Gulf crisis continues.
§ Mr. CurryNo. Other industries and the general public are having to adapt to the higher fuel prices during the Gulf crisis without subsidies. There is no reason to treat the fishing industry differently.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has done into the possibility of hidden subsidies being given by national Governments of some EEC member states to their fishing industry on fuel costs for fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe Department has not investigated any oil subsidies to the fishing industry. Member states are required to notify the European Commission of any such aid. The Commission has responsibility to ensure that it is informed of all state aids and that these aids are compatible with the treaty. If evidence can be produced of fuel subsidies by any member Government of the EC to their fishing industry, I shall pursue the matter vigorously.