asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of his reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East, Official Report, written question No. 164, 16 January, he will now withdraw the increased general levy of 1·6p per stone imposed on the fishing industry pending the establishment of the new statutory body to replace the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board.

No. The Government considers that the increase in the White Fish Authority's general levy is necessary to enable the authority to sustain its operations in the period before the new authority can be established.