§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he was aware that on or about the morning of Tuesday the 20th instant, about £150 worth of fishing nets were destroyed by being run down by six destroyers, in clear weather in the Firth of Forth, dashing at speed through the fishing fleet from Anstruther, Cellardyke, Pittenweem, and St. Monans, one Pittenweem boat losing thirty nets; and whether he would cause prompt inquiry to be held, and take the necessary steps to protect the lives and gear of the fishermen, and to fully compensate the losers if the facts were found to be as stated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAA preliminary report which I have received on this occurrence states that a flotilla, seeking shelter in the Firth on the night of the 19th and 20th February, passed through a fishing fleet in thick weather. With regard to the question of compensation, until the full report has been received, and claims have been lodged by the fishermen, 1001 I can express no opinion upon the matter. I ought to add that there is no reason to suppose that the navigation of His Majesty's ships was negligent.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the weather was fine, and not thick?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo. It was fine subsequently, but when the ships passed through the nets it was thick, and, I understand, there was a heavy sea.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are fourteen miles of seaway in the Forth, and that the boats were within one mile of the shore? Will he give orders that in future more care should be taken?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI must wait for the full report of this occurrence. I would repeat, however, that I have no reason to believe that the ships were navigated negligently.