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 AN immediate tariff to halt Norwegian salmon dumping in the Europe Union was demanded by SNP Euro-MP, Allan Macartney in Lewis last week.
During a two day stint supporting the Western Isles SNP candidate, the North East Scotland Euro MP and party deputy leader said: "The EU now faces a clear choice. It can either offer Scottish producers some much needed protection or allow a non-Member State to desolate an industry which European aid has carefully nurtured for a decade."
He protested that with Scottish salmon prices in free fall, and a strong Pound, there is no option but to place a levy on Norwegian salmon before it is too late.
"No amount of lobbying by the Norwegians in Brussels can change the facts. But neither should the failings of the UK Government, posted missing at several crucial point meetings in Brussels when the industry sought support, be allowed to weaken the strength of the case," hit out Dr Macartney.
Pointing out the importance of fish farms to the economy of the Highlands and Islands, a jobs boon created in part by European aid, the SNP deputy leader stated Norway have been found guilty of breaching international trade laws by subsiding their industry and allowing salmon dumping to take place. It was now time Norway paid the price for the damage they have been inflicting on Scottish and Irish salmon producers.
He attacked the Government for sitting in silence while the industry suffered and blamed Cabinet division between the Trade and Industry and Agriculture and Fisheries for the inaction.
Dr Macartney explained he has now appealed directly to the Council of Ministers to introduce a 15 per cent tariff straight away.
The importance of a strong European voice was echoed by Dr Gillies who said the British government viewed fishing and fish farming as a "little midge on the back of the economy." She was grateful to Dr Macartney and Winnie Ewing for their excellent representation in Europe which gave an "illusion of independence," but it was not an illusion Scotland wanted, it was the reality.
Original article Stornoway Gazette May 08 1997.
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