HC Deb 27 February 1896 vol 37 cc1236-8
MR. J. G. WEIR

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate—(1) whether his attention has been called to a communication, signed by fishermen of Hilton, complaining that six trawlers were at work off Hilton on Sunday, 26th January, that 25 were at work off Rockfield, Ross-shire, on the 2nd instant, and that some of these trawlers were scarcely a mile from the shore; (2) whether he is aware that on Sunday, the 9th instant, 48 trawlers were counted off Wilkhaven, Tarbet, and that on Sunday, the 16th instant, 26 were counted off Hilton, that one of this number came quite close to shore, put out lights about 9 p.m., and commenced hauling up the trawl; and, (3) whether the gunboats engaged in the protection of the Moray Firth against trawlers were at anchor on the Sunday referred to; and, if not, whether he will explain how the trawling operations of the trawlers within the three-mile limit escaped attention?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Sir CHARLES PEARSON,) Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities

In reply to this question, I can only say generally that complaints of trawling within the three-mile limit have been received from various parts of the Moray Firth. The information given is usually too vague to admit of action being taken, but each case is remitted for investigation. I do not understand that the hon. Member's informants knew beforehand, any more than the commanders of the gunboats, where the trawling was to take place on a given date. In regard to the third paragraph, I am informed that the gunboats were both in harbour on only one of the days referred to.

MR. J. G. WEIR

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, whether his attention has been drawn to a communication from the fishermen of Hilton (Ross-shire), stating that, unless the former restrictions are reimposed against trawlers in the Moray Firth, the fishermen will soon be brought to starvation, and that they cannot now proceed to sea before daylight owing to the risk of losing their lines; and, whether additional gunboats or a torpedo boat, will be sent to protect the fishing banks of the Moray Firth within the three-mile limit?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

I cannot properly answer any question as to trawling restrictions in the Moray Firth until the High Court has given its judgment in the case recently argued before it. There is no proposal at present to increase the protecting force.

MR. J. G. WEIR

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on Tuesday, the 11th instant, trawler No. A 560, steamed close in shore at Wilkhaven, Tarbet, Ross-shire, and cast the trawl about one and-a-half miles from land; and, whether any steps have been taken with a view to a prosecution?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

So far as I can discover, the authorities have not been informed of this case of illegal trawling, except through the hon. Member's question. If this be so, it would have been more to the purpose if his informant had reported the case to the nearest procurator fiscal or fishery officer, even at the risk of depriving the hon. Member of material for a question. Even now, if the hon. Member will furnish me with the information in his possession, I will have it inquired into at once.

MR. WEIR

asked, if a letter, signed by several fishermen, had been received by the right hon. Gentleman?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

I am not aware of that.

MR. WEIR

Will the Lord Advocate inquire if it was sent to the Secretary for Scotland?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. J. G. WEIR

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state where and how the Scottish Fishery Board's cruiser New Vigilant has been engaged since 1st October last, what districts she has visited, how long she has remained in each district, and the dates of each visit?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

The cruiser referred to has been actively engaged during the whole period since 1st October in fishery duty in the Firth of Clyde district, excepting about three weeks when she was under repair, and four days' leave at New Year.

MR. J. G. WEIR

asked the Lord Advocate if he was aware that the vessel was provided by the late Government for the purpose of protecting the fishing-grounds around the Island of Lewis?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

No, Sir; I was not aware of it.