HC Deb 27 March 1907 vol 171 cc1822-3
MR. MORTON

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that on Thursday morning, the 7th instant, a Wick boat, the "Endeavour," W. K. 621, John Sinclair, skipper, came ashore, and reported damage of six nets by a trawler's dan, about five miles off Wick; whether the trawler which was working at the time was the "Campania," of Stavanger, S.R. 4, apparently a Norwegian; whether the dan was painted "Campania, Grimsby;" and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect the Wick fishermen.

MR. SINCLAIR

The facts are substantially as stated by my hon. friend. Section 7 of the Act of 1885 seems to provide for the procedure which may most conveniently be followed in cases of this kind, and I am in communication with the Fishery Board as to whether this is a case in which the fishery officer could advisedly for his part adopt the course of action indicated.

MR. MORTON

Is it the fact that the fishery officers at Wick neglected to report this case to the Scottish Fishery Board until I had put this Question on the Paper? Has he since reported and assessed the damages at £15?

MR. SINCLAIR

I am not aware there was any ground whatever for the hon. Member's statement.

MR. STANLEY WILSON

Is this "Campania," Norwegian or Grimsby owned?

MR. SINCLAIR

I will inquire.