HC Deb 25 May 1908 vol 189 cc773-4
CAPTAIN WARING (Banffshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he can now state the nature of the proposals to prevent trawling by foreign vessels in the Moray Firth which it is the intention of the Government to submit to the foreign Powers.

CAPTAIN ARTHUR MURRAY (Kincardineshire)

At the same time may I ask the Secretary for Scotland if he can state what steps have been taken by the Government with a view to preventing foreign trawlers from carrying on operations in the Moray Firth?

MR. WILLIAMSON (Elgin and Nairn)

And may I also ask the Secretary for Scotland if he has received a copy of a resolution condemning the Government for its inaction in not prosecuting foreign trawlers observed fishing in the Moray Firth, which was recently passed by a representative meeting at Inverness; and what action he is taking with regard to the matter, in view of the dissatisfaction which at present exists.

MR. SINCLAIR

I have received resolutions referred to by my hon. friend the Member for Elgin and Nairn. My hon. friends may be assured that this subject is receiving the close attention of the Government. Definite proposals are being prepared on which it is intended to base communications with the foreign Governments interested.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the preparation will be completed? It has been a long time in hand.

MR. SINCLAIR

I cannot at present.