§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new fishing vessels, loan- and grant-aided under the Highlands and Islands Development Board programme, have been added to the local fishing fleets at Stoma-way and Harris, respectively, and how many in other parts, by name, of the Outer Isles; what is the total value of the new boats; and what is the total value of financial assistance given in respect of these vessels.
§ Mr. RossUnder the Fisheries Development Scheme of the Highlands and Islands Development Board 15 new fishing boats have so far been added to the Western Isles fleet: 10 for Stornoway, 4 for Harris and 1 for Eriskay. Another six are being provided.
The total value of the 21 boats approved for the Western Isles is £581,600. The total amount of loan and grant assistance (loans from the Highlands and Islands Development Board 515W and grants from either the White Fish Authority or the Herring Industry Board) is £561,000.
In addition the Highlands and Islands Development Board has approved grant and loan assistance amounting to £22,000 for eight new shell-fish boats for applicants from the Western Isles.