§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
What grants are available to assist fishermen in the South West to buy new boats; how many grants from the EEC have been received, with figures in each case; and whether the general level of grants available compares favourably with other parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Lord SandysGrants for new fishing vessels are available from the White Fish Authority and Herring Industry Board at a rate of 25 per cent. of the approved cost of construction. Grant from the European Community has been available on a year by year basis 1313WA at the same rate. No applications for European Community grant were received from the South West for the European Community Schemes in 1978 or 1979, but 3 were submitted in 1980. The Commission has not yet announced the results of the 1980 scheme.
The rates of grant available under these schemes in the South West are the same as in the rest of Great Britain. In Northern Ireland grant is available for vessels of under 80 feet at 30 per cent. from the Department of Agriculture and the European Community grant has been 50 per cent.