§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the assistance proposed for running costs and announced on 27th February was intended to exclude vessels engaged in shell fishing; and, if so, whether he will now announce proposals to include such vessels.
§ Mr. BishopIt was explained that the arrangements announced on 27th February were aimed at avoiding the development of a serious structural situation for certain classes of vessels fishing for white fish and herring. These considerations do not apply in respect of vessels engaged in fishing for shellfish.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on assistance with running costs for registered fishing vessels of less than 40 ft.
§ Mr. StrangI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend gave on 5th March to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Hicks).