HC Deb 15 July 1913 vol 55 cc1054-5
51. Captain WARING

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the skipper of the fishing boat "Mafeking," BF 430, who suffered damage to the extent of £40 through a trawler running across his nets, promptly notified the fishery officer and the Customs officer at Wick of the number and name of the trawler; and whether, in view of the fact that the number of the trawl vessel is known to the authorities, he will take steps to obtain compensation for the owner?

54. Mr. MUNRO

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that a report was made to the Fishery and Customs officials at Wick regarding the recent destruction of the nets of the fishing boat "Mafeking" by a trawler; that the name and number of the offending vessel were communicated to the officials in question, but that they declined to do anything in the matter; and what steps he proposes to take to secure redress for the fishermen concerned?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

My information is, that the fishery officer referred the skipper to the collector of Customs, within whose province, as superintendent of mercantile marine, the matter fell. The Board would be pleased to give any assistance in their power to obtain compensation, but from previous experience they believe that the claim could not be enforced without legal proceedings, and they have no power to institute the necessary proceedings. Such proceedings would require to be taken by the owners of the fishing boat.

Mr. MUNRO

If I furnish the Secretary for Scotland with the name and number of the offending vessel, will he take steps to secure compensation?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am afraid that I cannot do that. It is part of my answer that the Board have no power to institute legal proceedings.