§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any complaints from the East Coast Fisheries Association with regard to injury done to spawning-beds and feeding-grounds in the Firth of Forth and on the Fife coast by the discharge of ashes, etc., from warships; and whether he will endeavour, so far as possible, to safeguard such localities?
§ Mr. McKENNANo official representation has been addressed to the Admiralty, though it is understood that complaints were made by certain delegates at a meeting of the Association. Without precise information as to the waters affected it cannot be stated whether any restrictions are practicable.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he had received a petition from the town council of the Royal Burgh of Pittenweem with regard to the destruction of 2211 fishing gear by His Majesty's torpedo boats patrolling the Firth of Forth by night; and whether he would use his influence to safeguard the interests of the fishermen during the fishing season in the Firth of Forth so far as it is possible to do so?
§ Mr. McKENNAA representation has been received from the Burgh that fishing nets were recently destroyed by torpedo-boats at the entrance to the Firth, and inquiry is being made. So far as possible, precautions are taken to avoid damage; and in this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for North-East Lanark on 16th March, 1910.
§ Mr. REMNANTIn the case of fishing nets being destroyed by His Majesty's ships is compensation awarded?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, if it can be shown that there is any ground for negligence on the part of ships, compensation is always paid.