asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the assistance proposed for running costs and announced on 27th February was intended to exclude vessels engaged in shell fishing; and, if so, whether he will now announce proposals to include such vessels.

It was explained that the arrangements announced on 27th February were aimed at avoiding the development of a serious structural situation for certain classes of vessels fishing for white fish and herring. These considerations do not apply in respect of vessels engaged in fishing for shellfish.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on assistance with running costs for registered fishing vessels of less than 40 ft.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend gave on 5th March to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Hicks).