§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on support for improvements to Pittenweem harbour; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythGovernment policy remains that of supporting investment at fishery harbours where it148W makes both fishing and economic sense. Fife regional council is at present preparing an investment appraisal on a variety of options to develop the harbour at Pittenweem.
Until the results of that exercise are submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland I am unable to indicate what level of support, if any, Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to give to the proposed development.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies have been, or are being, carried out by his Department in relation to proposed improvements to Pittenweem harbour; and when the results of these are likely to be made public.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's responsibilities are to examine the proposals put forward by the harbour authority concerned. Fife regional council carried out a site survey of the harbour at Pittenweem, assisted financially by the Department.
From the results of the survey the council has prepared a variety of development options upon which it is now carrying out an investment appraisal exercise. Until the investment appraisal exercise is completed and the results submitted to the Department I am unable to make any further comment.