§ 9. Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty what ships are employed on fishing protection duties in the area around the Moray Firth; what is the speed and armament of these vessels; when they commenced their operations; whether they have been undergoing a refit at any time during this period; whether, when undergoing a refit, they are relieved by other ships; whether they have been able to detect and arrest any vessels for illegal trawling or for infringements of international law upon the subject; if so, how many cases have resulted; and in how many cases are they known to have been unable to take any action owing to having been unable to detect or apprehend the offender?
§ Mr. AMERYOne Admiralty trawler is employed on fishery protection duties in the Moray Firth area. Her speed is 11 knots and she is armed with one 12-pdr. and one Lewis gun. The vessel employed is a faster craft than that used before the War. She has been operating since November, 1920, when she replaced a sloop. The latter had been operating since April, 1920, but had to be withdrawn owing to the urgent need for economy in personnel. The trawler underwent her yearly refit during the period 6th January to 11th February, 1921. No relief was detailed as the refit was arranged to coincide with a slack fishing season in Scottish waters. Two arrests have been made for infringement of international law. A third suspected offender, on the same occasion, could not be apprehended.
§ Viscount CURZONAre we to understand from that answer that there is only one trawler to protect the whole of this area from foreign poachers?