§ 75. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he has taken to carry out the recommendations of the Trawling Committee regarding the closing of the Moray Firth to seine-net fishing, and the improving of the policing of the Firth?
Mr. ADAMSONSeine-net fishing is now prohibited within the three-mile limit in the Moray Firth. As regards the waters of the Moray Firth outside the three-mile limit, I would remind the right hon. Member that legislation would be required to provide for the prohibition or restriction of seine-net fishing, or any-other method of fishing which is proved to be injurious, and that the Trawling Committee's Report contemplated that such legislation should be contingent on international agreements relating to the Moray Firth and other areas in the North Sea. I am examining the difficult questions which are involved in these proposals. With regard to the policing of the Moray Firth, I am in communication with the Admiralty with a view to ascertaining whether a faster and more efficient Admiralty vessel can be made available.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIn his reply the right hon. Gentleman stated that he was going to ask the Admiralty if they could not get a faster cruiser. Has the advisability of employing a seaplane in this duty instead of a vessel never dawned on his Department?