HC Deb 19 May 1931 vol 252 cc1764-5
33. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any proposals in view for the exclusion of foreign trawlers from the Moray Firth and other closed waters round the Scottish coast; and whether he can now make any statement on the subject?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

This question is being closely examined in consultation with other Ministers concerned, but I am not in a position to make any statement.

Mr. MILLAR

As these consultations have been going on for some time, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement; and will he take into consideration the desirability of convening a meeting of the various North Sea Powers in order that the matter may be considered?

34. Major MCKENZIE WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether on the occasion of the damage to cod nets by foreign trawlers in the Moray Firth last February, the commander of the British cruiser "Spey" verified the damage or drew up a formal statement of such verification, as required to do by Article XXX of the North Sea Fisheries Convention, 1882; and, if so, whether he will consider publishing the statement?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

Complaints of damage to cod nets in certain cases in the Moray Firth reported to His Majesty's ship "Spey" were investigated and reported upon by the commander. As the whole question of pursuing claims for compensation for the damage is under consideration, I do not consider it expedient that the reports should be published.

Major WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the commander of the "Spey" made a report, as required by that Article, and gave the report to the skipper of the trawler?

Mr. ADAMSON

In my answer I have said that the matter was investigated and reported upon by the commander.

Major WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman not say whether the requirements of this particular Article were carried out, and whether, in point of fact, the commander of the "Spey" gave a statement to the skipper of the trawler as to what evidence of damage he found in the trawl?

Mr. ADAMSON

I have already told the hon. and gallant Member that, seeing that the evidence is being considered with a view to compensation being claimed, I do not consider it expedient to make a statement at the present moment.

Major WOOD

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether such a report was made?