asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the outlook for the fishing industry; whether he envisages any changes in the profitability of the industry; and if he will initiate a programme to increase the landings and increase employment in the industry.

The outlook for the Northern Ireland fishing industry, including future profitability, depends greatly on the current negotiations on the EEC common fisheries policy. The existing grants and loans schemes have already helped the Northern Ireland industry to increase the value of its catch from £800,000 in 1967 to £2·8 million last year.There has also been an increase in the number of fishing vessels from 73 inshore trawlers in 1967 to 122 vessels at the end of 1975.