86. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to state what action he proposes to take to make illegal the operations of foreign trawlers in Scottish waters that are closed to such fishing by British fishing vessels?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Archibald Sinclair)As indicated in my reply on Tuesday last to the right hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Macpherson), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, this matter is receiving my close attention, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
Mr. MACLEANThe right hon. Gentleman when he was a back bencher was very anxious to get this matter settled. Can he now tell the House what action he is taking to have the matter brought to an early conclusion?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRThe hon. Member may be assured that I am not less anxious now than I was before, but this is a matter which affects not only my own Department but other Departments. I would suggest to the hon. Member that the Government of which he was a supporter took some years without coming to any decision on this question. Therefore, I hope that he will allow me a little time.
Mr. MACLEANAre we to take it that the policy of the right hon. Gentleman may be summed up in the words of the old Irish song, "It may be for years; it may be for ever"?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIt has been for years with other Governments.