§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fishing boat owners have had their application for decommissioning grant accepted; how much was paid out in each case; and how many owners have withdrawn from the scheme after their applications were accepted; how much money for the first round of the decommissioning scheme is likely to be underspent; what plans she has to re-allocate that money; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackOn 21 September I announced that we were to pay decommissioning grant to the owners of 142 vessels. Since that time the owners of some of those vessels have withdrawn their applications. We currently expect to106W pay decommissioning grant in respect of 137 vessels. As I said on 21 September, payments will average £340 per vessel capacity unit (VCU).
On the question of withdrawals and the reallocation of funds, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 3 February at column 818.