HC Deb 04 March 1908 vol 185 cc682-3
MR. WATT

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, whether the net known as the drift net is in any way injurious to the spawn of the herrings when deposited on the bottom of the sea; is there a minimum size of mesh fixed by Statute for both the seine trawl and the drift net; and, if so, what are the minimum sizes.

MR. SINCLAIR

The net known as the drift net is not in any way injurious to the spawn of the herrings when deposited in the bottom of the sea. There is a minimum size of mesh fixed by Statute for both the seine trawl and the drift net: the minimum size is I inch from knot to knot by the Acts of 1808 and 1867.

MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of suspending the use of the seine net in the Clyde either altogether or during the spawning season?

MR. SINCLAIR

I will consider that.

Mr. YOUNGER

And will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that a very large proportion of the fishermen use the seine that net? Will their interests be considered?

MR. SINCLAIR

I think it should be remembered that any prohibition of the use of the seine net could only be arrived at by voluntary agreement.