§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance is provided to fishermen in(a) Portavogie, (b) Ardglass and (c) Kilkeel who are involved in a tie-up-scheme to assist the Cod Recovery Programme; and if he will make a statement. [162918]
§ 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 approval to detailed scheme proposals. Only when all essential approvals have been secured and the scheme has been launched will the figures of compensation paid to vessel owners by port be available.