§ 14. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the negotiations with foreign Powers for closing the Moray Firth to trawlers, and when this is likely to be effected?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs the hon. Baronet is aware, the question of the prohibition of trawling and other methods of fishing in the Moray Firth was remitted for consideration to a Committee of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. The Report of the Committee has been received and is under my consideration, but no decision has yet been come to with regard to the future regulation of trawling and seining in the Moray Firth outside territorial waters, nor as to the opening of negotiations with foreign Powers.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that more foreign trawlers have been seen this year in the Moray Firth than at any other time, and 1145 that this fact is extremely annoying to the longshore fishermen who are accustomed to get their livelihood in that sea?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware that there has been some slight increase, but that is being kept under review.