§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Trawler S.D. 29 was captured on Wednesday, 20th December, while engaged in trawling within the three-mile limit in Broad Bay, Island of Lewis, by some fishermen of Portnaguran; and, if so, are steps being taken to prosecute the master or owner of the trawler; and whether the fishermen who effected the capture and witnesses attending at Stornoway to give evidence will be compensated for their loss of time, and paid their travelling expenses?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonThe trawler referred to by the hon. Member was boarded, not captured, on the 20th ultimo, by some fishermen belonging to Portyoller. As the trawler's crew denied the alleged charge, an agreement was made that the vessel should proceed at once to Stornoway to have the matter investigated; and the Procurator Fiscal is now making such investigation at Stornoway. Allowances, in name of travelling expenses, have been made to witnesses who travelled from Portyoller to Stornoway for precognition.
§ MR. WEIRMay I ask whether compensation will be given to these men who had the courage to board the trawler?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANThe trawler is not yet proved to have broken the law.