HC Deb 08 March 1905 vol 142 c721
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Lord-Advocate, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, having regard to the fact that H.M.S. "Jackal," though lent by the Board of Admiralty for the purpose of protecting the interests of the line fishermen, was engaged last year on International North Sea Investigations, will he explain in what respect the steam trawler "Goldseeker," which was specially hired by the Fishery Board to assist in these investigations, failed to meet the requirements of the Board; and will he state her tonnage and speed.

*MR. SCOTT DICKSON

The "Gold-seeker," whose tonnage is 199 tons gross, and speed 9 knots, was hired to conduct the trawling and biological experiments in connection with the North Sea Investigations and is well-fitted for that purpose. For the short periodical cruises necessary for the hydrographical survey of the stormy seas north of the Shetlands, which is equally part of the investigations, her size and power are insufficient.

MR. WEIR

Then why was the "Jackal" put on the survey instead of the "Goldseeker?"

*MR. SCOTT DICKSON

I presume she was better fitted for it.