HC Deb 12 April 1922 vol 153 cc412-4
90. Mr. JAMESON

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that Danish and Norwegian trawlers frequently fish in the Moray Firth, in defiance of the Order prohibiting such fishing, and that no prosecution of such foreign trawlers has been made; that native trawlers axe subjected to heavy penalties for this offence; and will he take steps to have the law enforced against foreign as well as native fishermen?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. C. D. Murray)

My right hon Friend is aware that foreign trawlers occasionally visit the Moray Firth, but none of Norwegian or Danish nationality have been observed for some years. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. Owing to international considerations, the course proposed by my hon. and learned Friend presents grave difficulties, and my right hon. Friend is not in a position to give the undertaking which he desires.

Major WOOD

Was not one of those foreign skippers convicted and imprisoned, and had to be released owing to representations made by the Foreign Office?

Mr. MURRAY

It is quite true that some years ago there was a conviction in the Scottish Courts.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Have the Government been in consultation with the Foreign Office with regard to the whole question of the Moray Firth?

Mr. MURRAY

I understand so.

Dr. MURRAY

Is it not the case that if the German trawlers catch fish in the Moray Firth they can land it in this country free?

Mr. MURRAY

The answer is in the negative, if fishing within prohibited waters under the Statute of 1909.

Mr. JAMESON

May fishermen fish in the Moray Firth in the meantime?

Mr. KILEY

Is there a special mark on the fish which is caught in German waters?

Mr. MURRAY

I must have notice of that question.