§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware 1788 that the fishermen of Loch Roag, Island of Lewis, are suffering severe losses owing to depredations of steam trawlers which have lately invaded the loch, and that steam trawling is being actively carried on in Broad Bay, Lewis; and whether he will take steps to send a cruiser to protect the fishing industry in these parts?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANI am informed by the Fishery Board that their fishery officer at Stornoway reports that a month ago a fisherman from Loch Roag reported to him that a trawler during daylight lay at anchor in the loch, and that it was suspected that she was trawling under cover of night. The fishery officer advised the fisherman to organise a crew and to go out some night to note trawler's number and bearings and to communicate particulars to him, and that he would at once prosecute. The fisherman never returned to report. There was also a rumour that a trawler was at work in Broad Bay, and the fishery officer invited fishermen to bring him any witnesses of the fact, but no one has come forward. I regret to say that no cruiser is at present available to send to the Lews, as H.M.S. Jackal, the only steam cruiser at the disposal of the Fishery Board, is required for the protection of the Moray Firth.
§ SIR G. TREVELYANNo, Sir.
§ * MR. WEIRI beg to give notice that I shall put another question on the Paper to-morrow, and will give the number of the trawler.