§ 64. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland how many nights the craft stationed at Plockton for detection of illegal trawling has been under weigh from dark to daylight during this winter: if he has received a Report that on 18th February, while this craft was anchored in Kishorn Bay, a trawler was operating in Applecross Sound and did irreparable damage to the nets of local boats: and, if not, will he call for a Report and take immediate action?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not consider that it is in the public interest to publish details of the movements of the fishery cruisers or their auxiliaries, hut I shall he pleased to communicate the desired information to the right hon. Member personally. Complaints have been made that on the night of 18th February, part of the nets which had been shot during the day by two fishing boats were taken away or destroyed. The damage is attributed by the fishermen to a trawler which they had seen during the day. None of the fishermen could give any particulars to assist in identifying this vessel, and a telegram sent on the evening of the 18th to the auxiliary cruiser was not received until next day. I greatly regret the 1115 damage suffered by the fishermen, but in the absence of any identification of the alleged offender no proceedings or remedial action can be taken.