§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the average loss per vessel of the BTF fleet over the first nine months of 1975, including Government grants and also depreciation, including Government grants but not depreciation, and not including Government grants but including depreciation.
§ Mr. BishopThe BTF has provided my right hon. Friend with information on a sample basis on operating results in the trawler fleet. Certain individual fishing companies have also provided in confidence more detailed information which it would be improper to disclose. The treatment of depreciation differs according to the accounting practice adopted. It is not possible without more information and a disproportionate amount of work to give figures on a uniform basis.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he proposes to make for fishing vessel grants and loans in 1976.
§ Mr. BishopMy right hon. and right hon. and learned Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales will shortly lay before the House an order continuing the rate of grant at 25 per cent. for all approvals given under the new scheme during the calendar year 1976. The arrangements for loans by the statutory bodies also remain unchanged.