HC Deb 28 March 1972 vol 834 cc61-2W
Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the effect will be, if Great Britain enters the European Economic Community, on the subsidies paid to David MacBrayne Limited and the Caledonian Steam Packet Company.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The transport regulations at present in force in the Community will not require any alteration in the subsidies paid to operators of Scottish internal shipping services.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to take the necessary action required to increase the fishing limits on the west side of the Western Isles from six to 12 miles, if Great Britain enters the European Economic Community.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

No. In accepting a six mile limit for this area in the treaty, we recognised that some E.E.C. countries already have historic rights in the six to 12 mile zone, and that about 99 per cent. of the fish landed by British vessels in North-West Scotland is taken from areas closer inshore, including the Minch, which will remain closed to foreign fishermen.