§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many inshore fishing boats have been purchased in each of the years 1970 to 1972 with the aid of grants or loans from the Highlands and Islands Development Board; how many boats have been purchased this year to the nearest available date; and what has been the increase in the average price for boats from 1970 to the present date.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellFrom 1st January 1970 to 4th July 1973 the Highlands and Islands Development Board has approved financial assistance to applicants for the purchase of inshore fishing boats as follows:
It is estimated that the price of new and secondhand boats has increased by about 50 per cent. over this period, but 111W in the case of new boats specifications are constantly being improved.