§ 37. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what was the number of boats 1305 operating the seine-net from the South side of the Firth of Forth during each of the years 1920, 1925, 1930, and 1936; and what is the number to-day?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe numbers of boats operating the seine net from the South side of the Firth of Forth during 1920, 1925, 1930 and 1935 were 19, 15, 35 and 33 respectively. The number operating at present is 22, but this number will probably be increased to 35 during the year as at present some boats are either lying idle or absent at herring fishing.
38. Mr. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what were the grounds given by the Fishery Board for Scotland for recommending an extension of the area for seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth; and is he aware that this method of fishing is in fact destructive of nursery grounds, with consequent loss of mature fish round the Scottish coast?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI regret I cannot at present give the reason which led the Fishery Board for Scotland to make the by-law in question. These will however come up and be fully considered by me at the end of the period of advertisement, along with any objections lodged including objections relating to the possible effect of the by-law on the stock of fish on the Scottish coast.
Mr. STEWARTHow is it possible for those who object to state their case effectively if they do not know the ground on which the decision was made? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider in special cases making public the grounds for the recommendation?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI will consider that.
§ Captain McEWENIs it not a matter of common knowledge that there are no nursery grounds within the proposed extended area?