§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he is aware that practically all the so-called foreign trawlers engaged in breaking Scottish laws by illegally trawling in the Moray Firth are British owned; and if he will consider what action it is desirable to take to ensure adequate punishment of the offenders.
§ MR. THOMAS SHAWIt is the case that at least many of these trawlers, although registered under a foreign flag, are British-owned. The remainder of the Question will be answered by my right hon. friend the Secretary for Scotland, along with certain other Questions on the same subject.
§ MR. CATHCART WASONIs it not the fact that, although the captain is a Norwegian, many of the men engaged on the boats are British subjects? Cannot the law be put in operation against them?
§ MR. THOMAS SHAWAs a question of law I believe such men would be legally liable to prosecution.