Angus MacNeil MP looks for more information on proposed pilot scheme.

Following the first Scottish Questions of the new year Angus MacNeil MP has called on Douglas Ross MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scottish Office to bring forward details of a pilot scheme to allow non-EEA fisherman to crew boats in West of Scotland waters and ease crew shortages.

Mr MacNeil  believes that the Outer Hebrides would be the ideal place for the pilot and after speaking with Mr Ross commented

‘I can assure Mr Ross a pilot scheme allowing non-EEA fishermen into waters West of Scotland would be most welcome. Indeed, fishing interests in the Outer Hebrides, the West Coast and probably Northern Ireland would all welcome such a scheme. I am confident that any such trial would be a great success.

‘I have written to Mr Ross and look forward to getting more information from Mr Ross and hope he will consider using the Outer Hebrides for this trial. ‘