§ 64. Mr. SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Order of the Fishery Board for Scotland, dated 17th June, 1929, fixing the length of boat for seine-net fishing at 40 feet and the mesh of the net at 2¾ inches, and the size of flat fish caught at 10 inches, is causing hardship to the fishermen on the Kincardineshire coast, and particularly at Gourdon, in respect that many of their boats are slightly over 40 feet and that they would have to purchase new nets to comply with the Order as to the mesh but have no funds to do so and no Government assistance has been offered to fishermen for this purpose, and that the catch of fish at Gourdon has been reduced in consequence of the Order; if he will state whether evidence of the fishermen was taken in regard to these matters before the Order was issued; and whether he will, in the 1145 circumstances, be prepared to hear evidence now as to whether the Regulations previously in force were prejudicial to the fishing and to consider a modification of the terms of the Order on the matters mentioned in order to prevent many fishermen in the district being deprived of their livelihood and the fishing industry there being crippled?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe limit as to the size of boat has not been changed since the concession to use this particular method of fishing in the area in question was sanctioned in 1917. The amended by-law made last year was duly advertised and opportunity was given to fishermen affected to make representations, but no objection with regard to the alteration in the mesh, which affects only part of the net, was received either from Gourdon or elsewhere. I understand that some Gourdon fishermen have complied with the new requirements, which are requisite for the conservation of the stock of fish. Any representations which the fishermen may wish to make will be fully considered.