§ 33. Mr. MORTONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, with a greatly increased catching power of steam and motor craft, there was from the 1st April, 1913, to the 12th July, 1913, a decrease in the herring fishing of 260,379 trans landed in Scotland compared with the same period last year (1912); and whether that decrease is due to trawling for herring?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe figures relating to the catch for the periods mentioned are correct. It may be added, however, that no sound deductions can be drawn from figures relating only to one season, and especially to a part only of the season, and that the total quantity of trawled herrings landed in Scotland last year was only 5,714 cwts. out of 5,200,300 cwts., or 0.1 per cent. of the gross catch, and it is difficult to see how so insignificant a result could have had any injurious effect on the fishing.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that as this steam trawling increases it inflicts great hardships upon other fishermen and that there is a great deal of feeling about it in Scotland?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI know there is a great deal of feeling on that subject and a very important question has arisen as to how far steam trawling destroys immature fish. This is being investigated by a Committee of which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is in charge.