§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total amount of aid given to the fishing industry for shipbuilding.
§ Mr. BishopExpenditure by way of grant and loans—restricted to vessels of less than 100 gross tons—for the acquisition of new fishing vessels and the improvement of existing ones, totalled £5.5 million loan in 1976–77. Similar expenditure is expected for 1977–78.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry may assist the construction of fishing vessels exceeding100 gross tons by way of loan guarantees under section 10 of the Industry Act 1972. Outstanding guarantees on fishery projects total £21.47 million.