HC Deb 20 November 1952 vol 507 cc190-1W
71. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Agriculture why he is lending £250,000 to the White Fish Authority.

Sir T. Dugdale

I am not making any loan to the White Fish Authority.

79. Mr. Duthie

asked the Minister of Agriculture what schemes the White Fish Authority has submitted for the betterment of the white fishing industry.

Sir T. Dugdale

After securing Ministerial approval on 10th May last, the Authority announced arrangements for loans of up to 60 per cent. of the cost of building or improving fishing vessels not exceeding 140 feet in length. I have also had their close co-operation in preparing legislation for grants for the same purpose, and I hope shortly to lay this before the House. I understand that the Authority have in an advanced state of preparation schemes for the encouragement of fish freezing and for the better marketing of fish at the small ports.

80 Mr. Duthie

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount of money which the White Fish Authority has collected to date as levy and the use to which the money is being put.

Sir T. Dugdale

Up to 15th November, 1952, the White Fish Authority have collected £252,591, and have spent £65,912 on general administrative expenses, and on training grants, research and experiment and export promotion. The balance is being held for expenditure on projects which the Authority will be undertaking under the powers conferred on them by Section 4 of the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1951.