§ 20. Mr. PETHERICKasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of recent cases of inadequate fines being imposed in the case of foreign trawlers caught fishing inside the three-mile limit; and if he will amend the law to increase the present scale of fines for such offences?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)Certain French vessels were recently convicted of illegal fishing by means of crab pots in the vicinity of the Scilly Isles, and penalties duly imposed, but I am not aware that any foreign trawlers have recently been convicted of illegal fishing in British waters. The question of amending the law relating to the penalties inflicted for illegal fishing in territorial waters is under consideration.
§ 21. Mr. PETHERICKasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the prevalence of the destruction of the nets of British fisher men recently by foreign trawlers, and notably to the case of the destruction of the nets of the Mevagissey fishing-boat "Kate," on 23rd February, 1933, by the French steam trawler "Congre," B 1,315, and "Jean Dore," B 1,384; and what action he has taken or proposes to take?
§ Major ELLIOTMy attention has been drawn to the particular case referred to, which is being taken up with the French authorities. I have no evidence to bear out the suggestion contained in the first part of the question but shall be happy to consider any particulars which my hon. Friend cares to submit.