HC Deb 26 January 1990 vol 165 cc929-30W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he plans to apply to join the EEC temporary lay-up scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

As the hon. Member knows, we are considering with the industry the measures necessary to reduce fishing for North sea haddock in 1990. Our proposals do not envisage financial assistance for laying up. A laying-up scheme does nothing to reduce capacity on a permanent basis and would serve to encourage marginal fishermen, who might otherwise have left the industry, to remain in it.