§ 13. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make about the results of his investigations into the recent depredations of trawlers in the North Coast of Scotland and the losses of gear suffered by the inshore fishermen; whether his attention has been drawn to similar complaints made by the Buckie and District Fishermen's Association with regard to the ravages of the trawlers in the Moray Firth and the loss of upwards of £400 worth of fishing nets by the inshore fishermen; and whether he will undertake to give more effective protection to the inshore fishermen on these coasts?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)Further inquiries have been made as to the alleged illegal trawling on the North Coast of Scotland, but no definite evidence of illegal trawling or illegal seining has been forthcoming. Only three specific cases of damage to gear have been reported to the Fishery Board from this district and of these two at least were outside the area in which trawling is prohibited. The investigation of these cases with respect to compensation is being pursued in the usual way. Cases of damage to anchored cod nets in the Moray Firth have been reported to the Fishery Board, but I regret to find that despite warnings issued the fishermen continue to leave their nets unlighted and unattended and so long as this is the practice damage is unavoidable although a constant patrol of the area is maintained and every effort is made by the fishery cruisers to warn foreign trawlers as to the presence of the nets. It is very desirable in the fishermen's own interests that they should observe the regulations issued for the lighting and marking of the nets drawn up by the Fishery Board and should stand by the nets at night. A meeting of fishermen held recently at Buckie recommended the boats concerned to mark and light their nets and if this recommendation is observed the situation should be improved. The Fishery Board have suggested to the fishermen co-operative action to secure attendance on the nets at night under a rota system.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that two trawlers have been caught in Sandside Bay, by the fishery patrol cruiser, since I last questioned him on the subject; and that another trawler has been caught by the local fishermen on the west side of Dunnet Head with its trawl working within the three-mile limit; and in view of this, how can he say that there is no evidence of any illegal trawling on this coast?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. This statement was furnished to me by the Fishery Board. I saw the head of the Fishery Board this morning and, as far as I understand, the position is as I have stated it.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYAre the trawlers complained of foreign or British?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not know.