§ 7. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make a statement as to the vessels to be provided for policing northern waters under the Fishery Board for Scotland, and as to the ports on which they will be based?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIt is not proposed permanently to allocate particular vessels to particular areas when the new vessels are completed, but full consideration will be given to the requirements of northern waters. At present, in addition to the "Norna" and the "Vaila," which usually patrol northern waters, a hired drifter is temporarily stationed in Shetland, and one of His Majesty's ships is usually stationed in Shetland during the summer herring fishing season.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the new vessels to be ready for commission, and, when they are ready for commission, is it intended to consider basing them on some place nearer to their scene of operations than the present base?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am afraid I cannot give an answer to the first part of the question. When these vessels are completed the whole matter will come up for final review.
§ 5. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in order that first-hand knowledge may be obtained and placed on record, he will ask the sheriff who is now examining the drift-ringnet controversy in the Firth of Forth, to take evidence at the Fife fishing villages during the present fishing season?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe procedure to be followed is of course a matter to be decided by the commissioner appointed to hold the inquiry and I understand that he has already initiated meetings for the purpose of arranging it with the interests concerned. I have, however, conveyed my hon. Friend's suggestion to him.
§ Captain McEWENWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to amplify the suggestion to the sheriff by reminding him that there are equally important interests existing on the south side of the Firth of Forth?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI will see that the interests referred to by my hon. Friend are brought to the notice of the sheriff.