HC Deb 14 June 1932 vol 267 cc179-80
23. Sir JAMES DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the limits and seasons within which seine-net fishing is at present permitted in the Firth of Forth under by-laws issued by the Fishery Board for Scotland; and whether effect has been given to the representations received by the Board against the extension of the present limits?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

The Fishery Board's by-law No. 40 permits seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth within an area bounded by the south shore of the Firth and by straight lines drawn from the end of the East pier of Leith harbour to Inchkeith Lighthouse, thence in the direction East by North (magnetic) to a point due North (magnetic) of Fidra Lighthouse, and thence through Fidra Lighthouse to the shore. The by-law permits seining in this area from 1st June to 30th November, but in April last year it was decided to permit seining during the close time pending further consideration of the operation of the by-law as a whole. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Sir J. DUNCAN MILLAR

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say when it is intended to announce the decision about a close time season? Is the matter under the consideration of the Board?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

The hon. Member's question referred, I think, to the area.

Sir J. DUNCAN MILLAR

And season.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

If the representations cover both points, the answer, as I say, is in the affirmative.

24. Sir J. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state, separately, the number of convictions for illegal trawling and seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth during the past 12 months; and what steps have been taken to secure the stricter policing of the Firth against such offences?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

The number of convictions for illegal seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth during the 12 months ended 31st May last was 14. Since that date five further detections have been made and reported to the legal authorities. There were no convictions for illegal trawling in the Firth during the period. All possible measures have been taken by the Fishery Board for Scotland with the resources at their disposal for the effective policing of the area, and special arrangements for night patrol have been in operation with good results.