HC Deb 07 April 1925 vol 182 c2008
37. Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there is now in existence a statute forbidding the shooting of drift or ring nets from one hour after sunset on Saturday until one hour before sunrise on Monday between the Mull of Galloway and Ardnamurchan Point; and whether, in view of the prevalence of Sunday fishing by fishermen from other parts in the waters off the coast between Ardnamurchan Point and Cape Wrath, he will extend the operation of the existing statute so as to cover these waters also, and so abolish a practice which is at once obnoxious to the feelings of the fishing communities there and damaging their interests?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am aware that the Herring Fishery (Scotland) Act, 1889, forbids the setting or shooting of any herring net between sunrise on Saturday morning and one hour before sunset on Monday evening on the West Coasts of Scotland between the points mentioned. I have no power to extend the operation of the existing statute to cover the waters between Ardnamurchan Point and Cape Wrath.

Mr. MACPHERSON

If I introduce a Bill as a private Member's Bill, will the right hon. Gentleman see that it is given facilities?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I would like to see the Bill first.