HC Deb 08 May 1907 vol 174 c225
MR. STANLEY WILSON (Yorkshire, E.R., Holderness)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland how many foreign trawlers other than Norwegian have been reported fishing in the Moray Firth in the course of the last six months; whether any of those have been examined by the Scottish authorities; and whether any English fishermen have been reported on board.

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SINCLAIR,) Forfarshire

During the past six months five foreign trawlers other than Norwegian have been observed. On four Belgian vessels no Englishmen were reported to be on board. On one Swedish vessel the whole crew except flagmaster were English.

MR. STANLEY WILSON

Will these Englishmen also be prosecuted?

MR. SINCLAIR

No doubt.

SIR GEORGE DOUGHTY (Grimsby)

On what authority are these foreign vessels boarded by British officers?

MR. SINCLAIR

I cannot say; I only know what the Fishery Board have reported to me.

SIR GEORGE DOUGHTY

How can information be obtained unless the boats are boarded?

MR. SINCLAIR

I will leave it to my hon. friend to say.

SIR GEORGE DOUGHTY

Is there any understanding between the two Governments?

[No Answer was returned.]