§ 33. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to state his intentions in regard to the outstanding recommendations of Lord Mackenzie's Committee; and whether he is contemplating any other steps for the suppression of illegal trawling?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONFurther effect has been given to the recommendations of the Trawling (Scotland) Committee within the present month by the equipment of another of the fishery protection vessels with a fast hydroplane, mainly for service in the Moray Firth. My right hon. Friend is closely watching the situation with regard to illegal trawling, and he proposes to act upon other recommendations of Lord Mackenzie's Committee as time and opportunity permit.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRCan the hon. Gentleman say—I am very glad to hear the announcement which he has just made—whether there is any prospect that next Session we shall have legislation increasing the penalties for illegal trawling, because this is a most important question?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI am not in a position to promise legislation, and that question ought to be addressed to the Prime Minister.
Mr. DUNCAN MILLERIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that there has been a large number of very daring breaches of the law, and does he realise the urgent necessity for immediate action?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIn my answer I have already stated that action has been taken within the last month.