§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that from fifteen to twenty trawlers, which are in the habit of fishing in the Moray Firth under a foreign flag, are the actual property of Grimsby trawl owners, and that several vessels which formerly sailed under the Grimsby and North Sea Steam Trawling Company are now registered at Brevig, and sail under the name of the Zodiac Steam Fishing Company; and will he say whether the Government proposes to take any steps to prevent this action by Grimsby trawl owners.
§ * THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. GRAHAM MURRAY,) ButeshireThe Secretary for Scotland is informed that eight trawlers owned by the Grimsby and North Sea Steam Trawling Company and six trawlers owned by the Metropolitan Steam Fishing Company were transferred to the Norwegian flag, and that the former are now registered at Brevig under the name of the Zodiac Steam Fishing Company; but he is not aware whether these vessels are the actual property of Grimsby trawl owners. It is understood that steps are being taken by the Norwegian Government to test the bonâ fides of such transfers. No present action on the point referred to by the hon. Member is contemplated by His Majesty's Government.
MR. CATHCART WASONIs it beyond the scope of possibility to secure that trawling shall be absolutely prohibited in these waters?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is a general Question which does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.