§ CAPTAIN WARING (Banffshire)To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that trawlers now trawl for herring, and that this will cause considerable damage to the nets and lines of the coast fishermen, especially in enclosed areas such as the Moray Firth; and whether he proposes to take any action further to protect the line-fishing industry.
(Ansivered by Mr. Sinclair.) I understand that the method of fishing for herring described by my hon. friend has on occasion been adopted. The owners of nets and lines will have claim for compensation in the event of injury. It is not in my power to take action so as to interfere with a method of fishing which is not illegal.