§ MR. D. N. NICOL (Argyll)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the attention of the Fishery Board has been called to the large number of steam trawlers working near the shores of the islands of Colonsay, Gigha, and Islay, and that they have destroyed the gear of the native line fishermen; and whether the Government will take the necessary steps to sea police these waters, and thereby secure adequate protection to these fishermen?
MR. GRAHAM MURRAYI am informed that the Fishery Board have received numerous complaints of illegal trawling and damage to lines off Gigha, Islay, etc., during the past year, and that, when possible, these complaints have always been investigated either by the Vigilant or one of Her Majesty's gunboats. The investigations by the commanders of these vessels invariably resulted in their finding that the complaints were greatly exaggerated, and the evidence vague and quite insufficient for action to be taken. The Vigilant will visit the district of Gigha, etc., as often as possible.