§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is yet able to announce his decision on assistance to the fishing industry.
§ Mr. BishopRising costs of running the fishing fleet and particularly increased costs of fuel have not been matched by prices at the quay. Vessels are being taken out of fishing. Some restructuring of the fishing fleet is inevitable and right, but we must avoid radical contraction leading to permanent structural damage. In the end, the cost of catching fish will have to be recovered in the price; but time is needed for the adjustment to take place in an orderly way.
The Government have therefore decided, subject to approval by Parliament, to provide temporary aid. For practical reasons this will take the form of flat-rate daily payments varying by class of vessel as shown in the following table. Vessels of over 40 feet will be eligible if they fish for a qualifying minimum number of days during the period 1st January to 30th June this year. The total cost is estimated at some £6¼ million. Further details will be issued shortly. The European Commission has been notified. We will lay the appropriate order before Parliament as soon as possible.
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Lengths of Vessel Daily Rate £ 135 feet and over 90 110 to 135 feet 60 80 to 110 feet 45 60 to 80 feet 20 50 to 60 feet 10 40 to 50 feet 5
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the position of the British trawler industry and fishermen generally due to increased fuel costs; and what plans he has to assist the fishermen of the South-West of England.
§ Mr. BishopWe are aware of the position, and the action which is being announced today in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. Johnson) will be of help to fishermen in the South West as well as to the industry in general.