§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether instructions will be issued to destroy all fishing tackle seized on boats illegally trawling instead of re-selling it.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIn cases of illegal trawling which come within the jurisdiction of the Board, the Department is in a position to apply to the Court for destruction of the forfeited gear, and this application is made in suitable cases, but under the provisions of Section 21 (2) of the Sea Fisheries Act, 1883, the Court has a discretion to order either the destruction or sale of the gear.
§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of adopting the practice followed in Scotland by which a full price is always obtained for this gear.
§ MR. MACVEAGHAnd is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as a result of the practice obtaining in Ireland the gear is generally purchased back by the trawlers?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am afraid I can add nothing to the Answer I have given. In suitable cases the Board of Trade do recommend that the gear should be destroyed. The case is one for decision by the Courts.