HC Deb 09 November 1982 vol 31 cc137-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what terms and conditions and from what effective date he expects aid to be made available to the fishing industry from the European Economic Community under recent common fisheries policy agreements; and when he will be circulating an invitation to the industry to take advantage of it.

Mr. Peter Walker

Agreement has been reached by nine of the 10 member States of the European Community on a revised common fisheries policy which includes outline provision for grants for scrapping, laying up, constructing and modernising fishing vessels and for exploratory voyages, joint ventures, aquaculture and the construction of artificial reefs. Detailed terms and conditions for payment remain to be agreed by the Council of Ministers.

As the hon. Member will know from my statement this afternoon, this package of measures is still under consideration by the Council of Ministers.