§ Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the conditions that have to be satisfied for a fishing vessel of over 40 ft. in length to qualify for a flat rate daily sailing payment during the period 1st January to 30th June 1975; and what will be the minimum number of days necessary to quality for this aid.
§ Mr. BishopRegistered fishing vessels of over 40 ft. in length and under 80 ft. will be required to put in a minimum of 60 sea-going days directly related to voyages undertaken for the purpose of catching white fish or herring to be landed in a United Kingdom port in order to qualify for grant under the arrangements recently announced. The corresponding figure for vessels of 80 ft. and over will be 85 days.
Ministers will seek parliamentary approval, in the enabling order, to waive part of the qualifying period in individual cases in order to deal with any situation arising from exceptional circumstances.
§ Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why fishing boats of less than 40 ft. length are not eligible for any form of financial assistance as a result of his announcement on 27th February 1975.
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§ Mr. BishopIt was explained that the arrangements announced on 27th February were aimed at avoiding the development of a serious structural situation. These considerations do not apply in respect of vessels under 40 ft. in length.