§ 58. Sir MURDOCK MacKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the policy of the Government with regard to the question of trawling in the Moray Firth; and whether it is proposed to permit foreign trawlers to continue fishing in that area while British trawlers are excluded?
§ Mr. SKELTONMy right hon. Friend regrets that he is not in a position to make any statement on this subject at the present time.
§ Sir M. WOODIs the Minister aware that the fishermen are making preparations for the ensuing fishing, and will he not be able to make a statement as to what protection they may be able to expect and to what extent they will be able to carry on their work?
§ Mr. SKELTONI am afraid that I cannot add anything to the statement I have made.
§ Sir M. WOODCan the Minister give us no idea when he will be able to make a statement as to the policy of the Government on this matter?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo, Sir, I am unable to make any such statement. The hon. Member knows very well the complexities and difficulties of this subject.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHas not this question been before the House for two or three years, before different Govern- 1789 meats, and is it not a fact that we never get anything but this reply, because of foreign competition?