§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Under- Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that during the year 1898-9 fifty-five trawlers of various nationalities—namely, German twenty- two, Belgian ten, Danish eight, French five, Dutch four, Norwegian three, were observed by Fishery Board cruisers working in the Moray Firth, showing an increase of twenty-three on the previous year; and in view of the fact that the Moray Firth has been closed against British trawlers for the purpose of protecting the fishing industry and augmenting our fish supplies, will he consider the expediency of communicating with the signatories to the North Sea convention, with a view to the Moray Firth being closed against foreign as well as against British trawlers.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe facts are as stated in the question. The importance of protecting the Moray Firth against trawlers of any nationality is fully realised, and will not be lost sight of in any negotiations which may take place.