HC Deb 08 July 1958 vol 591 cc187-8
29. Sir R. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to ensure that the Scottish herring fleet is given adequate and continuous protection on the fishing grounds from the depredations of foreign trawlers during the height of the summer fishing.

Mr. Maclay

At the request of my Department the Fishery Protection Squadron has been patrolling the fishing grounds off the north-east coast of Scotland where British and foreign vessels are working in order to prevent incidents so far as possible, and to protect British fishing vessels. Her Majesty's Government cannot, however, prevent lawful fishing by foreign vessels on the high seas.

Sir R. Boothby

In view of the considerable apprehension in the Scottish herring fleet at the moment regarding the depredations of these foreign trawlers, as a result of which they lose many of their drift nets, and which are in fact illegal, will my right hon. Friend take steps to ensure that a fishery cruiser is based on the port of Fraserburgh during the height of the summer fishing, which will give renewed confidence to the herring fishing fleet?

Mr. Maclay

This week one of my own Department's cruisers will be patrolling the grounds and every effort will be made to maintain an adequate control as long as necessary. It is proposed that the ship on patrol should remain on the grounds through the week, except at the weekend when it calls at Aberdeen for supplies of mail and stores.