HC Deb 27 June 1974 vol 875 cc496-7W
29. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on building grants for the fishing industry.

Mr. Buchan

We have today revoked the directions which imposed a temporary moratorium on approvals by the White Fish Authority and Herring Industry Board of vessel grants and loans. New directions have been issued to the statutory bodies to resume approvals on a basis that will limit the new commitment of public funds during the remainder of 1974 to a total of£13 million at current prices, of which no more than an extra£5.5 million is to be committed for payment before 31st March 1976. Approvals will relate to expenditure to which the applicant himself is committed at the time approval is given.