asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for underwriting and subsidising loans for the purchase or modernisation of fishing vessels.

The Government already provide funds to enable the Sea Fish Industry Authority to make loans for the construction or modernisation of fishing vessels at commercial rates.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the operation of the decommissioning scheme so far as it affects the inshore fishing industry.

I am satisfied that the decommissioning scheme has offered and is offering valuable assistance to owners of inshore fishing vessels who wish to withdraw them from fishing.