75. Major WARINGasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health where the patrol vessels have been stationed during the month of February; the distance sailed by each; and the number of cases of illegal trawling detected during the month?
§ Captain ELLIOTDuring February the five cruisers of the Fishery Board for Scotland were stationed as follows:
In addition, His Majesty's trawler "Exe" was engaged in the Moray Firth area. Six cases of alleged illegal fishing wore detected by the cruisers during the month. Information as to the mileage steamed by each of the cruisers is not at resent available.
- "Brenda"—South-east Coast.
- "Freya."—Moray Firth.
- "Norna"—Shetland, Orkney and North Coast.
- "Minna"—West Coast (excluding Firth of Clyde).
- "Vigilant"—Firth of Clyde.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONHas the Secretary for Scotland appointed an inquiry into illegal trawling?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the speed of the vessels is sufficient to enable them to catch the illegal trawlers?
§ Captain ELLIOTObviously their position is rather that of prevention than of cure. We desire to prevent illegal trawling rather than to catch those who have committed the crime.