§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Glanford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) of 11 January,Official Report, column 623, what steps he is taking to ascertain the needs of United Kingdom areas which are dependent on fishing; what sort of appropriate assistance he is proposing to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryStudies have been carried out by consultants engaged by the European Commission to help define fisheries-dependent areas and their economic needs. We are presently examining these studies and our officials will be seeking the views of the fishing industry. As far as any new measures are concerned, we shall be seeking to ensure that they properly recognise the needs of fisheries-dependent areas in the United Kingdom, as well as representing good value for money and providing for needs that could not be met through the mechanisms that are already available.