§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken and are proposed regarding the submission to him on the plight of the fishing industry by Aberdeen district council.
§ Mr. YoungerMy noble Friend the Minister of State offered to meet representatives of Aberdeen district council and the local fishing interests on 11 April to discuss the council's submission, but this meeting has had to be postponed at the request of the district council. It is hoped that agreement can be reached on a new date soon.
Since receipt of the district council's submission, the Government have announced a package of aid to the United 161W Kingdom fishing industry as a whole. Aberdeen vessels will benefit from the aid amounting to £2 million which is being made available to the industry through producer organisations. Some Aberdeen vessels are also among those which have submitted tenders for participation in the programme of exploratory voyages for which the Government are making up to £1 million available.