§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total United Kingdom capital investment in the fishing industry in 1971, 1972, 1973; what are the projected trends for 1974 and 1975; and which ports are, or will be, the major beneficiaries of past and future investment.
§ Mr. BuchanTotals for investment by industry in the catching, distribution and processing of fish, and by harbour authorities and others in infrastructure, could be collected only at disproportionate cost. The following estimates have been made of gross expenditure in the United Kingdom on the two main forms of investment aided at various rates from public funds:
Estimate of Associated Gross Expenditure on— Financial year in which aid given New vessels and improvements Harbour works £m. £m. 1971–72 11 1 1972–73 21 1 1973–74 25 1 1974–75 23 4 (The figures given for 1974–75 assume aid expenditure at levels for which Vote provision has been sought.)
Estimates for later years depend on decisions still to be taken on applications in hand for aid to be given in 1975–76 and subsequently. Investment in vessels cannot, because of their mobility, be related precisely to particular ports. Harbour works have been carried out or are projected at Aberdeen, Bridlington, Brixham, Campbeltown, Eyemouth, Fleetwood, Gairloch, Girvan, Grimsby, Hull, Kilkeel, Kinlochbervie, Lerwick, Lochinver, Lowestoft, Mallaig, Peterhead, Scarborough, Whitby and several smaller ports. Applications for major works at Fraserburgh, Newlyn, North Shields and Portavogie are under consideration.