17. Colonel BURNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the infringement of international law by French fishermen who trawl within the three-mile limit without check in the neighbourhood of Plymouth and Ram's Head; and will he take immediate steps to put an end to this practice?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that it is not correct to state that the infringement is carried on without check, as two of His Majesty's Fishery Protection Vessels are stationed in the English Channels with headquarters at Falmouth. One of these vessels on the 15th September arrested a French trawler within the three-mile limit off Ram's Head, with subsequent legal proceedings, resulting in convictions and penalty of £5 fine.
Colonel BURNMay I ask, seeing that the punishments now inflicted on these men do not seem to be sufficient to deter them from fishing in our waters, the hon. Gentleman will assist mo to get legislation for further punishment to be given?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThat is a matter for the Leader of the House. I could not say what possibility there is of such legislation. It may be that the fines in these cases can be increased. I will look into it
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELHaving regard to these recurring fishing disputes, will the Government take into consideration the whole question of the three miles' limit, in view of the fact that that limit was fixed at a time when the range of naval guns was about one-tenth of what it is to-day?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThat is rather a large question to arise out of the point raised.