§ 14. Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to remove the restrictions imposed in 1951 on the local fishermen regarding the catching and landing of lobsters in the Western Isles; when he intends to improve the fishery protection against foreign vessels in the island waters; and whether he will consider again the request of the Uist fishermen for a closed season.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe Sea Fishing Industry (Crabs and Lobsters) Order, 1951, which prescribes the minimum size of lobsters which may be landed and prohibits the landing of berried lobsters, applies to Great Britain as a whole and there is no power to exempt any area from its operation. As regards the prevention of illegal fishing by foreign vessels, I am not satisfied that the existing patrol of the inshore waters needs to be strengthened. Nor do I consider that the institution of a close season for lobster fishing is justified.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this absurd Order introduced by his predecessor—and continued as absurdly by him—is really of no value or sense in an area where the common complaint is that lobsters are too big? Is he aware that if there were a closed season for fishing to allow lobsters to grow up in the areas where they are too small it might help to conserve the lobster rather than frustrate this purpose? Is he aware also that Frenchmen, Belgians and every other type of trawlermen are coming into that area and taking lobsters of all sizes, berried or unberried?
§ Mr. StuartOnly two French skippers were convicted in 1951 and two in 1952. The only complaint we have received this year appears on investigation to have no substance. As to the suggestion of a close 184 season I understand that it would be ineffective, because I am reliably informed that lobsters carry spawn for 10 months in the year and they may be any 10 months.