Jonathan Shaw...refused aid

THE President of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations has asked UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw what happens now following the Minister's refusal to give help to meet spiralling fuel costs.

Elizabeth Stevenson reminds Mr Shaw in an open letter that last week he rejected industry leaders' pleas for short term financial support to provide a breathing space to allow the UK fishing industry time to adjust and adapt to the new era of high fuel costs.

No-one can tell which direction fuel costs will go in the near future, she said, but what is clear is that there will be no return to an era of low fuel costs."We recognise that and the need to adapt to that new reality in the medium and long term."

In Spain and France, the fishing industry is in receipt of direct financial support under the EU de minimis provisions, which are precisely designed for these emergency circumstances. But Mr Shaw had rejected equivalent support on two grounds:

• He didn't have the money
• €30,000 per enterprise would not solve the industry's problems, even on a short term basis

But addressing these points, Ms Stevenson said:

"Before every decommissioning scheme and before every package of support in the past, the Government (of whatever hue) has made the same claim - 'there is no money.'

" The truth is that financial resources are a matter of political will and political priorities. The key question is: Does this Government want a fishing industry? And only you can answer that question. Financial resources will follow the answer.

"Will the de minimis solve the industry's problems, even in the short term? Well, for many vessels it would go a very long way to providing a lifeline. But as important as that, providing the de minimis would send a signal that the Government is on the fishing industry's side.

" That is the key feature of the Spanish and French Government's support for their industries. Providing the de minimis would be an act of faith that this Government thinks that fishing in the UK has a future.

"You are right, the de minimis wouldn't solve all our problems at a stroke; but it would send a strong signal that this Government, like those of France and Spain, values its fishing industry and is working for the industry's survival in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

"Over to you."

*There were reports tonight that action being taken by French and Spanish truckers over fuel levels is badly affecting Scottish fish exports. Hake exports from Peterhead are said to be badly affected as are West Coast live prawn exporters, leading to vessel tie-ups.

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