§ MR. WEIRTo ask the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that the sum of £3,300 appears on the Customs Estimates for rewards to officers and others for the capture of smugglers and for the detection of evasions of the revenue laws, will he consider the expediency of taking such steps as may be necessary to admit of similar rewards being paid to fishermen, coastguards, lightkeepers, and others who may be instrumental in bringing to justice illegal trawlers.
(Answer.) I cannot admit that the procedure under the Customs Acts forms a precedent for the hon. Member's suggestion, and the Government is not prepared to entertain it.—(Scottish Office.)