HC Deb 06 September 1909 vol 10 cc904-5
Mr. PIRIE

asked the Lord Advocate if he was aware of the lawlessness existing in Castlebay, in the island of Barran, as shown by the action taken to prevent the landing of trawled herring thereon, the fish being subsequently landed at Storno way; whether he was aware of the loss, amounting to about £2,000, entailed by the present position of matters on that island on the owners of the trawlers, on the curing station at Castlebay, and consequently to the islanders themselves; and if he would state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The HON. MEMBER

also asked the following question which was not on the Notice Paper: Is the Lord Advocate aware that there were no herring boats within 65 miles of Barran, and that these fish were caught 35 miles from the nearest land?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

I am aware of the action taken by certain fishermen, inhabitants of Barra, in order to prevent the landing of trawled herring on the island. I am not aware of the extent of the loss entailed in consequence of the unlawful proceedings to which my hon. Friend refers. I propose that the police force on the island be strengthened, and that proceedings be taken against those who committed the lawless act referred to in the question. With regard to the supplementary question, I should say from the information in my possession that the fish were trawled at a distance of 55 miles from the coast, but I have no positive information as to this.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

In view of the fact that what happened with regard to this herring trawling seems to be a new and alarming development, will the hon. and learned Gentleman cause full inquiry to be made by the Fishery Board?

Mr. URE

The Fishery Board have inquired into all the facts.

Sir JOHN DEWAR

Can the hon. And learned Gentleman say whether the account of these trawlers who landed the fish has been corroborated by other witnesses; and whether this is the first occasion on which trawled herrings have ever been landed at Barra Island, and if, in view of the very serious consequences involved—

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member attaches any importance to the question the least he can do is to put it on the Paper.

Mr. PIRIE

To whom would the fishermen have recourse if they were in danger of their lives? Would they have recourse to the Scottish Office or to the Admiralty for reasonable protection for their lives?

Mr. URE

To the police authorities, of course.

Sir JOHN DEWAR

There is only one policeman against 500 on the island.