§ 42. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps he proposes to take for the more effective prevention of illegal trawling on the Fife coast of the Firth of Forth, and for meeting the complaints of Fife fishermen regarding the inadequacy of the fines imposed on persons convicted of such illegal trawling?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe new cruiser "Fidra" has recently been commissioned, and it is anticipated that she will 1182 prove effective in dealing with illegal trawling and illegal seining. The decision as to the amount of the fines to be imposed is vested in the court, and I have no doubt that the courts will keep in view the desirability of effective penalties.
Mr. STEWARTIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's own Bill of last year dealing with illegal trawling, will he not consider exercising some pressure to see that at any rate fines are imposed upon persons who are convicted?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI think these matters must be left to the Courts.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs my right hon. Friend aware that the protection on the Aberdeenshire coast is much less adequate than on the Fifeshire coast; and will he see that a cruiser is posted to the Aberdeenshire stretch at the earliest possible moment?