HC Deb 08 May 1956 vol 552 c992
15. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement with regard to the discussions which have been taking place on the subject of fishing with otter boards for Dublin Bay prawns in the Firth of Forth.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Henderson Stewart)

The request of the Firth of Forth Fishermen's Association for a modification of the law about the use of otter boards with seine nets for prawn fishing has been discussed with its representatives. The Association has agreed to co-operate in experiments designed to test this and other methods of catching and their effect on the stocks of white fish.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Are we to understand from that reply that we are well on the way now to a solution of that problem?

Mr. Stewart

I think that that is a proper deduction. The fishermen are co-operating very readily with us.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Has the hon. Gentleman consulted the Foreign Office about this important international problem?

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