§ 31. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that illegal trawling has been taking place within the last two weeks in Gott Bay, in Tiree, and that two boats were caught on a Monday morning yet were not prosecuted; and if he will see that greater protection is given to the fishermen of Tiree against these illegal actings?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo complaints of illegal trawling in Gott Bay have recently been received by the Fishery Board for Scotland, and the hon. and learned Member's question, apparently, has reference to fishing for herrings by means of ring nets, which method of fishing is legal outside the weekly close time. The offence of the two boats referred to, which took place last year, was that they engaged in herring fishing during the weekly close time. I understand that it was considered that, as this was a first offence, a strict warning would, in the circumstances, be sufficient. It is not to be assumed that similar offences in future 1588 will not be dealt with more severely. The waters off Tiree will continue to receive careful attention from the fishery protection vessels.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill my right hon. Friend take into consideration the fact that many of the people in Tiree live partly on their crofts and partly on their fishing, which is part of their food, stored in their larders; whereas these people who come in and invade in this way are engaged in an ordinary commercial enterprise? What right have they to be robbing these people's larders?
Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARDIs it not a fact that these questions are largely put down with the idea of discrediting the trawling community?