MR. STANLEY WILSON (Yorkshire, E.R., Holderness)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the statement of Mr. M'Ewan, the marine superintendent of the Scottish Fishery Board, on the 20th of March, at the trial of Appleyard, at Elgin, that he had reported trawlers in the Moray Firth of the following nationalities, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, in addition to Norwegians; and whether the master or any member of the crew of these vessels has been prosecuted.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI am aware of the facts referred to by the hon. Member. Trawlers of foreign nationalities in addition to Norwegian have been reported for illegal trawling in the Moray Firth. In all cases when British subjects have been so engaged prosecutions will follow.
§ MR. SINCLAIRYes, Sir, the authorities have satisfied themselves of the character of the foreign trawlers.
§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)How is it possible in the case of German, Swedish or Danish trawlers for the authorities to make sure there are no British subjects aboard?
§ MR. SINCLAIRThe authorities have sufficient means for the purpose.
MR. STANLEY WILSONIs it not the fact that on board these foreign trawlers the first fisherman is always a British subject?
§ MR. SINCLAIRThat is not within my knowledge except in the case of Norwegian boats.
MR. STANLEY WILSONHave there been any prosecutions except against Norwegian trawlers? Is it not the fact there have been none?
§ MR. SINCLAIRThat may be so.
MR. STANLEY WILSONI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that on 20th March, at Elgin, Mr. M'Ewan, the marine superintendent of the Scottish Fishery Board, at the trial of Appleyard, first fisherman of the Norwegian trawler "Lucania," gave evidence that the vessel was British-owned, and that Appleyard was the responsible master, and that on this and other evidence he was convicted and sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment, he will make inquiries as to whether the "Lucania" is a properly registered Norwegian vessel and amenable to Norwegian law; and whether, at the time of the alleged offence against the Moray Firth by-laws, Appleyard was only temporarily in command, by permission of the Norwegian Consul, in consequence of the illness of the Norwegian master; and, if so, whether he will recommend that some change be made in the Moray Firth by-laws.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI do not deem it necessary to make inquiry as suggested by the hon. Member. If the facts regarding Appleyard be as stated no point of doubt will arise As a British subject engaged in illegal trawling he is liable to prosecution. I do not propose to make any change in the by-laws.