60. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that French fishermen are continually poach- 692 ing on British fishing grounds in Rye Bay by night; and why the police boats are not preventing it.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe hon. Member is no doubt aware that a naval patrol has now been instituted in this area and has already dealt with several offenders. I hope that these measures will prove effective. I am glad to say that the French authorities are co-operating in trying to stop these practices.
Mr. SmithWhy was action only taken 10 days after I put down this Question, if the trouble had been going on for months?
§ Mr. StokesWhy did not the hon. Member put it down 30 days earlier?
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanIs my right hon. Friend aware that English trawlers have been poaching unhampered for several years past in the Hebridian and Scottish waters; and will he take some action to deal with offenders at home before he goes abroad?