HC Deb 28 April 1898 vol 56 cc1376-7
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state in how many instances, during the year 1897, the Fishery Board for Scotland received complaints of trawlers working without lights, or on other occasions with their names and numbers concealed, and if he can state in how many cases prosecutions have been instituted, and in how many cases convictions have been obtained?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. A. GRAHAM MURRAY,) Buteshire

I am informed by the Fishery Board that 12 complaints were received of concealment of letters and numbers, three of fishing without lights, and two of both offences, but the evidence was sufficient only to warrant six prosecutions being instituted, in all of which convictions were obtained, the offenders electing to go to prison rather than pay the fine imposed in two instances.