§ Mr. John MacKayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what funds will be available in 1981–82 to the White Fish Authority for grants and loans for the building and improving of fishing boats.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithSupply Estimates for the full expenditure on grants and loans for fishing vessels for 1981–82 will be presented to Parliament at the appropriate time.
Meanwhile, the Government have informed the White Fish Authority that at this stage it may commit up to £4½ million of grant and £1–65 million of loan, 681W a total of £6–15 million, for fishing vessel projects in respect of which payments would be made in 1981–82.
This advance notice will enable the authority to approve applications for finance and thereby give fishermen and boat builders a basis on which they can take firm decisions on future work.