HC Deb 11 June 1996 vol 279 cc137-8W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much Pesca funding is available to fishery projects in England in 1996–97; how much was paid in 1995–96; and if he will list those projects funded and the amount each project received. [32162]

Mr. Baldry

[holding answer 10 June 1996]: Under the Pesca community initiative, funds of 18.5 mecu— £15.5 million—have been allocated to fishing dependent areas in England for the period 1995–99. Pesca aid is available under the financial instrument for fisheries guidance, for specific fisheries measures to assist the fisheries industry to restructure. Aid is also available under the European regional development fund for measures to develop businesses and under the European social fund for employment training. An indicative breakdown of the funds for the period 1995–99 is shown in the table. The table also shows the national back-up funding which will be required.

mecu/£ million1
Year FIFG ERDF ESF National Total
1995 0.500 1.500 0.500 2.196 4.696
(0.407) (1.221) (0.407) (1.787) (3.822)
1996 0.757 2.270 0.757 3.322 7.106
(0.616) (1.848) (0.616) (2.704) (5.784)
1997 0.856 2.569 0.856 3.759 8.040
(0.697) (2.091) (0.697) (3.060) (6.545)
1998 0.739 2.217 0.739 3.244 6.939
(0.601) (1.804) (0.601) (2.640) (5,646)
1999 0.839 2.518 0.839 3.685 7.881
(0.683) (2.049) (0.683) (2.999) (6.414)
Total 3.691 11.074 3.691 16.206 34.662
(3.004) (9.013) (3.004) (13.190) (28.211)
1 The exchange rate used is £1 = ecu 1.228626.

In addition to this, a further 5.88 mecu— £4.79 million—has been awarded to the United Kingdom from the European Commission's community initiative reserve, but details of its allocation are awaited from the Commission.

Pesca was launched in England on 14 February and the scheme is now open to applications. Local working groups, including regional partners and local fisheries organisations, have been set up to determine local strategies and priorities for the use of funds. No grants have yet been awarded but decisions on the first round of applications are expected soon.