§ MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether, having regard to the complaints of illegal trawling on the coasts of Scotland and the recent decision of the court of session as to the interpretation of the law, he will call for a Report from the Fishery Board for Scotland, as to the steps they are taking to enforce the law, the regulations they have made for the policing of the coasts, and the prosecution and punishment of offenders, and generally what suggestions they can offer for still further increasing the protection to which the local industry is entitled.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI am in constant communication with the Fishery Board on these matters but do not think any advantage would arise from asking for a special Report. The complaints of illegal trawling have not of late been specially numerous and the regulations for fishing the coasts and prosecution of offenders are unaltered and are as efficient as the means at the disposal of the board allow.
§ MR. AINSWORTHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that much discontent prevails at the want of action on the part of the Fishery Board?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI am not aware of any special feeling of the kind.
MR. CATHCART WASONWill the right hon. Gentleman in connection with this matter bear in mind that ordinary poachers when convicted are not allowed to buy back their nets for a mere song, and will he consider the desirability of more severely punishing trawlers in this respect?
§ MR. SINCLAIRwas understood to say that a communication had been addressed to his hon. friend which might meet his point.