§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what ways the fishing industry can be assisted by means of Objective 2 grants with(a) land-based infrastructure, improvement and renovation schemes, (b) vessel equipment, (c) fish processing and marketing and (d) other support. [119429]
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§ Mr. MorleyObjective 2 plans, which include funding under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), have yet to be finalised and agreed with the European Commission. ERDF funding could cover fishing port infrastructure.
Funding under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) would be available across the country and is not dependent on Objective 2 status. Plans for FIFG funding have yet to be finalised and agreed with the European Commission. Under the FIFG regulation, this could cover projects under (a), (b) and (c).
Other support, such as funding for training fishermen, could be available from the European Social Fund, both within and outside Objective 2 areas.
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what(a) rules and Agriculture, Fisheries and (b) guidance he has set applicants for Objective 1 funds. [119342]
§ Mr. MorleyThe European Commission has yet to agree the Single Programming Document for the Cornwall and Scilly Isles Objective 1 area, including the proposed priorities and measures funded through the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance. Rules and guidance for applicants will be finalised following Commission approval and consistent with the relevant European regulations.