asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what contribution the fishing industry made to the Scottish economy, as a proportion of gross domestic product, in the last year for which figures are available.

I estimate that in 1983, the latest year for which figures are available, the Scottish fishing industry — that is, the catching sector — contributed rather less than one half of 1 per cent. of total Scottish gross domestic product.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the proportion of the Scottish work force employed in the fishing industry and activities allied with it.

I estimate that about 1 per cent. of the Scottish work force is employed in the fishing industry and related sectors such as fish processing and distribution.