§ 56. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the extent to which international obligations will affect the future policy of the Herring Industry Board and the White Fish Authority in making grants and loans available for fishing vessels to be built in foreign ports.
§ Mr. SoamesGrants are given by the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board in accordance with statutory schemes, and loans in accordance with administrative arrangements approved by the Fisheries Ministers and the Treasury. These take full account of our international obligations and as my hon. Friend knows that is one of the reasons why grants and loans are now to be made available for foreign built fishing vessels and engines.
§ 57. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he had with organisations representing fishing interests before arriving at his decision that fishing vessels built abroad will rank for grant and loans.
§ Mr. SoamesFrom the point of view of the fishing industry, these new arrangements will extend the number of yards from which vessels can be ordered, aided by grant and loan. This can only be of benefit to the industry, and consultations were not necessary.