§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in introducing transitional aid for Northern Ireland fishermen affected by this year's sea closures; and if he will make a statement on the timescale for aid. [158637]
§ Mr. PearsonA transitional aid scheme has been drawn up in consultation with the local industry and is currently under consideration by the European Commission. My officials are pressing the Commission for their views, but I am not able to judge when I shall be in a position to announce the launch of the scheme.