CAPTAIN MILNE-HOME (for Lord ELCHO)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, having regard to the losses the fishermen in Firth of Forth are suffering through injury to their lines and the destruction of the chlam and mussel beds by the action of steam trawling vessels, he will take steps for their protection?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, Sir, great injury has certainly been done in the nay pointed out in the Question, and I will see that whatever is possible will be done to prevent airy thing of the kind in future. The injury referred to was of a purely wanton character, and could do no good. The Fishery Commissioners have made inquiries into the matter, and have agreed to make certain recommendations, which will be embodied in their Report. They have also met persons interested in the matter, as well as the persons who were responsible for the injury, and have urged on them to do all they can to prevent such occurrences in future. No efforts on my part shall be wanting towards that end. Whatever power I have will be put in force; but I think it exceedingly likely that I shall have to come to Parliament to ask for further powers.