§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made with the fishery training and fleet extension scheme, approved by him in March; when the first successful applicants are likely to be notified; how many boats are to be approved this year; and if he will urge upon the Highlands and Islands Development Board the need to give early decisions and assistance to enable new boats to be built and in operation by the herring season of next year, or sooner, for other fishing.
§ Mr. RossFollowing the necessary discussions with the other authorities concerned, the Highlands and Islands Development Board expects to publish details of the scheme in the near future. The Board is most anxious to bring the scheme into operation as quickly as possible.
It is not possible for me to say when the first successful applicants under the scheme will receive offers of assistance. As regards the number of boats to be approved this year I can only say at this stage that the scheme provides for assistance for up to 25 boats over a five year period, an average of 5 boats per year.