Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from which fishermen's organisations after 27th October, 1970, up to the publication of the Fishing Vessels (Acquisition and Improvement) (Grants) (Amendment) Scheme, 1970; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI received representations in November last from the Scottish Inshore White Fish Producers' Association and the Scottish Herring Producers' Association asking me to consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to securing the removal of the reduction in the rate of grant for inshore fishing vessels announced on 27th October, 1970. The reply sent to the Associations was that I could not agree to do so because the reduction was part of a general change in investment policy and, taking account of the Government assistance available to the inshore industry, in grants, loans and free depreciation, I was not aware of grounds on which the exclusion of inshore fishing vessels from this general change could be justified.