§ 97. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he is doing to assist Scottish fishermen to buy fishing gear and repair their boats, in view of the increasing cost of gear and repairs.
§ Mr. J. StuartWhile a fall in the cost of imported raw materials has reduced prices for certain ropes and nets, I am aware that the cost of gear and repairs is a heavy item. White fish catchers in inshore and near and middle waters at present receive a subsidy and herring fishermen are assisted directly through the herring oil and meal scheme and indirectly through grants to the Herring Industry Board for other purposes.