§ Mr. Cleggasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the high costs incurred by fishing companies, particularly those based in Fleetwood, Hull and Grimsby, he will now seek to give additional assistance to the industry.
§ Mr. John Silkin:Changes in traditional patterns of fishing have had serious repercussions on the dock and landing charges payable to the British Transport Docks Board by fishing vessel owners at Fleetwood, Grimsby and Hull. I therefore propose, as an exceptional and temporary measure, to seek the approval of Parliament to a scheme of financial aid to cover approximately half of such charges in 1978 in respect of vessels of 80 ft. registered length or over based on these three ports. The European Commission is being informed. The cost of this measure is expected to be about £1.2 million and will be met by an increase in my Ministry's MAFF 2 cash limit and an offsetting reduction in the MAFF 1 cash limit.