§ 30. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the Lowestoft fishing vessel "Tritonia" trawling off the southern Irish coast was fined at the Waterford Court on 11th August for illegal fishing and the owner and skipper heavily fined as well as the cargo confiscated; that the alleged infringement was due in large measure to the inaccurate markings on Close's Chart which is much used; and if he will take steps to advise all fishermen who regularly use these waters of the inadequacy of the chart, and at the same time publish an official chart of guaranteed accuracy.
Mr. AmoryI am aware of the circumstances of this case. The limit that British vessels must observe off the coast of the Irish Republic is the three-mile limit of territorial waters and not that of the Irish trawling byelaws, as suggested in Close's Chart.
I have already made the position known to fishermen through my coastal staff, and am drawing the attention of the publishers of Close's Chart to the inaccuracy in question. Admiralty charts are available for navigational purposes and I do not think that any other official chart is required.
§ Mr. EvansWhile I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's sympathy and help, may I ask whether he is aware of the feeling of bitterness among British trawler men, on whom crippling, punitive fines are being imposed in foreign ports, whereas foreign vessels contravening this country's laws are let off with a nominal fine such as £5 as against fines of £1,000 imposed in other countries?
Mr. AmoryYes, but I am afraid I could not interfere with the local laws of the countries concerned.