HC Deb 16 February 1993 vol 219 c178W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the expected contribution from the Exchequer towards the cost of a decommissioning scheme; and what part of this will be paid for from EC funds.

Mr. Curry

The Government have made provision of £25 million for the decommissioning scheme over a period of three financial years commencing April 1993. Council regulation (EEC) 4028/86 as amended provides for 70 per cent, of eligible expenditure to be reimbursed by the Community if vessels are scrapped and 50 per cent, in other cases. However, the operation of the Community budget means that the greater part of any such reimbursement is funded by the Exchequer.