asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry (a) the number of fish processing plants which have been approved yearly since 1 January 1970, (b) the total number employed yearly since 1 January 1970, (c) the total IDA grants paid between 1 January 1980 and 31 May 1983, (d) the total BIM grants paid between 1 January 1980 and 31 May 1983, (e) the total production yearly since 1 January 1970, (f) the total value of processed fish exported annually since 1 January 1970 to 31 May 1983, and (g) the total number of fish processing projects at present being considered for grant aid.
Written Answers. - Fish Processing Projects.
617.
(a) Following are the numbers of fish processing concerns which have been approved for grant assistance from State agencies annually since 1 January 1970:—
|
1970/71 |
8 |
|
1971/72 |
15 |
|
1972/73 |
12 |
|
1973/74 9 months 1974 |
17 |
|
1975 |
22 |
|
1976 |
7 |
|
1977 |
11 |
|
1978 |
14 |
|
1979 |
12 |
|
1980 |
28 |
|
1981 |
31 |
|
1982 |
6 |
|
1983 |
12* |
* to 28 April 1983.
(b) Following are estimates of the total numbers employed annually in the fish processing sector since 1 January 1970:—
|
1970 |
900 |
|
1971 |
950 |
|
1972 |
1,100 |
|
1973 |
1,350 |
|
1974 |
1,450 |
|
1975 |
1,500 |
|
1976 |
1,500 |
|
1977 |
1,550 |
|
1978 |
1,550 |
|
1979 |
1,550 |
|
1980 |
1,600 |
|
1981 |
1,650 |
|
1982 |
1,650 |
Because of the large element of seasonal labour involved in this industry, the above figures can be regarded only as approximate.
(c) Between 1 January, 1980 and 31 December 1982, the IDA paid a total of £1,461,387 in grant assistance to the fish processing sector. Details of grants paid in the first five months of 1983 are not readily available.
(d) Between 1 January 1980 and 31 May 1983, BIM paid a total of £123,551 in grant assistance under their co-operatives and small industries development grant scheme, mainly to fishermen's co-operatives for the development of fish handling facilities.
(e) Production information is not available on a national basis to my Department. I am having inquiries made of the Central Statistics Office and will communicate with the Deputy as soon as these inquiries are complete.
(f) The total values of processed fish exported annually since 1 January 1980 are as follows:—
|
£000 |
|
|
1980 |
31,976 |
|
1981 |
36,830 |
|
1982 |
49,796 |
|
1983 |
3,801* |
* to 31 March, 1983 the latest period for which information is available.
The records kept for the years from 1970 to 1979 do not allow the comparable data to be readily extracted in the time available. When the data is obtained I will have it supplied to the Deputy.
(g) This information is not at present available to me but I will communicate it to the Deputy as soon as possible.