Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked whether, having regard to the number of cases in which masters of trawlers convicted of illegal trawling go to prison so as to avoid payment of the fines imposed, procurators-fiscal would press in all cases for the confiscation of the trawl gear belonging to such trawler?
§ Mr. UREUnder the existing practice the gear is seized at the time of detection, wherever it is practicable to do so, and is sold on a conviction being obtained. This practice will continue to be observed.
Mr. CATHCART WASONWill steps be taken to secure that the gear is sold in some centre of population, and not at the spot where the conviction has taken place; because when the latter course is followed, the gear is often bought back for a mere song, so that the offender receives practically no punishment?
§ Mr. MORTONIs it not a fact that some of the sheriffs in Scotland have stated that the penalties attached to illegal trawling are not sufficient to prevent the continuance of the illegality?