§ Mr. NEIL MACLEAN(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that during the early hours of Saturday morning, 27th July, a large number of nets belonging to the Peterhead fishing fleet were cut adrift and damaged by German trawlers; whether he is aware that the damage is estimated at approximately £300; whether he is aware that the "Brenda," which is the fishery cruiser for the area, was lying off Leith harbour on Saturday forenoon and could not therefore be cruising in her area; what steps he intends to take to obtain compensation for the damage done, and to ensure that in future when any of the 2452 fishery cruisers are in Leith harbour, their area will not be left unprotected?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI regret to say that a considerable number of nets have been lost or damaged as stated in the question. The damage is estimated at £240. The "Brenda" arrived at Leith for coaling and other usual adjustments on Saturday forenoon, but the incident occurred about 60 miles east of Peterhead, whereas the normal patrol of the cruiser is along the three-mile limit. The fishery cruiser arrangements are at present under review, but the cruisers have no jurisdiction over foreign vessels in the open sea. With regard to compensation, so far as within my power I shall give assistance to the fishermen in submitting their claims.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAre we to understand that the German trawlers deliberately cut these nets adrift, and is there any dispute about that point?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI would not like to say, as I only got notice of the question about one o'clock. This incident took place in the open sea some 60 miles east of Peterhead. These incidents are sometimes carried out by one nationality or another nationality, and in the usual case under the Maritime Convention, 1882, claims are submitted to the proper quarters, and in many cases the men who are responsible and who do the damage pay compensation to those who have received the damage.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that the patrolling of this part of the coast by fishery cruisers leaves a great deal to be desired, that the "Brenda," this same vessel, was absent from this coast a fortnight or 10 days ago and was also in Leith Harbour, according to a reply given by the Secretary of State for Scotland, that at the present time another cruiser is now in Leith Harbour in dry dock, and will he take steps to see that the new marine superintendent to be appointed reorganises the patrolling of the area by these vessels, and see that they are on the job?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs the hon. Member knows, the patrolling arrangements are presently under review. They leave room for improvement, and the marine superintendent will address himself to 2453 this problem forthwith, and I might also mention to the House that a naval vessel has been sent to this spot forthwith.