§ CAPTAIN PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to make provision for an increase of force in order to protect the fishermen on the East Coast of Scotland from the depredations of French luggers, it being admitted by the Government that the present force is inadequate for the efficient carrying out of that purpose?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYI know of no admission of the Government that the present force is inadequate for the protection of the fishermen of the east coast of Scotland from the depredations of French luggers, though it has happened that when at a particular moment a request has been made to send a gunboat to a particular spot, the Admiral Superintendent has had no vessel immediately available. I have the question of the protection of fishermen under my consideration, but no absolute immunity can be insured.