Fishing Industry

HC Deb 29 January 1976 vol 904 cc294-5W

39. Mr. Trotter

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the current annual fuel bill for the fishing industry; by how much this has increased in the last two years; and whether, in the light of the increased costs of the industry, he will restore the operating subsidy or provide other financial assistance.

Mr. Bishop

Fuel prices have roughly quadrupled over the last two years for the fishing and all other industries, but prices currently negotiated vary widely, depending on market conditions. But the increase in actual costs depends not only on fuel prices but also on the level of fishing activity and on any improvements in efficiency taking place in the same time. My Ministry keeps in close touch with each sector of the industry about fuel costs and other matters, but a global estimate for increased fuel costs might be misleading. On 8th December 1974 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy announced that Government policy was to allow fuel price increases to work through the system. The operating aid for the fishing industry in 1975 was granted for structural reasons. It was, therefore, exceptional and temporary.

41. Mr. Henderson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current position of the fishing industry.

Mr. Bishop

Over the last year there have been increases in costs including fuel costs. However, since the autumn of last year the market has shown very significant signs of improvement. Prices for all the main commercial species were substantially above those for the earlier part of the year and above the 1974 average. There are no signs that this improvement will not be maintained.

45. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial aid is to be given to the fishing industry in 1976.

Mr. Bishop

Exclusive of the cost of support ships in Icelandic waters, support to the fishing industry in the financial year 1975–76 is expected to cost about £33 million. The Supply Estimates for 1976–77 have not yet been published.