§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what encouragement he is giving to fish farming in Scotland; and what grants he has made.
§ Mr. William RossFinancial assistance is available to freshwater fish farmers engaged in food production through the Farm and Horticulture Development 655W Scheme. It is also open to fish farmers within the area of the Highlands and Islands Development Board to apply to that board for assistance. My fisheries laboratories undertake a substantial amount of research and development work on many aspects of fish farming and a new comprehensive programme of research is being planned. Diagnostic work and certification of exports is also undertaken. General advice is available from my Department. One grant has so far been approved for a fish farmer under the Farm and Horticulture Development Scheme.