HC Deb 11 June 1913 vol 53 c1621
57. Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has received information as to the loss of nets suffered by the fishermen of Lossiemouth, Hopeman, and Burghead, during the recent cod-fishing season owing to trawlers dragging the trawl through the nets; whether he is aware that the loss amounts to a large sum in itself, and also has crippled some of the fishermen so that they have been unable to continue the fishing; and whether he will draw the attention of the Fishery Board to the matter, and ask them to have a cruiser always on duty in the Moray Firth from 15th January to 15th April, with a view to the protection of the nets and informing trawlers of their existence and location?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am informed that a considerable sum has been lost in this way. The Fishery Board are considering the whole question and trying to make arrangements to meet the difficulties of the case. There was a cruiser in the Moray Firth during the past season.

Sir A. WILLIAMS0N

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what part of the Moray Firth this cruiser was, because it was not observed by the fishermen?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am informed the cruiser was in the Moray Firth practically for weeks.

Mr. MUNRO

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct that a cruiser be also sent to the Caithness coast, where similar incidents have taken place?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes; but I think I ought to say I am not at all sure that the cruiser could meet the difficulty.