HC Deb 01 March 1960 vol 618 cc1018-20
28. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken against the masters and owners of the Scottish east coast seine-net fishing vessels, reported on Thursday, 17th February, to the Stornoway fishery officer and the police for illegal fishing within territorial waters off North Tolsta, Isle of Lewis.

Mr. Maclay

After investigating the reports referred to, I have passed the papers to the Procurator Fiscal at Stornoway.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only respite we have had from this form of poaching in the islands was during the two or three days which he spent, very conspicuously, last summer in Broad-bay? Ever since the right hon. cat has gone, the mice have been back playing in that area. Would he not agree that what is needed is something permanent in Broadbay to prevent this sort of thing—not necessarily the Secretary of State, but something to represent him in a very effective way? Would he not consider the importance of basing something locally there?

Mr. Maclay

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's reference to my visit to Broadbay. I assure him that, as I think he knows, we have given very careful consideration to the position in Broad-bay but he cannot expect me in public to say all the things that we are doing in that part of the world, because it would be very unwise.

29. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the threat to the livelihood of inshore fishermen in the Western Isles from illegal fishing by seine-net stranger vessels, he will introduce legislation to provide for much heavier fines on conviction, for the detention in port of the vessels concerned for repeated offences, the prosecution of the owner or owners in person, withdrawal of the masters' tickets, and branding of vessels involved in repeated offences by painting them a bright yellow for easier identification; and if he will reconsider the proposal to provide locally based speed boats and a Q-boat cruiser.

Mr. Maclay

The maximum penalties for illegal seine-net fishing, among other offences, were recently increased by the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1959, and I do not consider that further legislation on the lines proposed would be justified. The arrangements for fishery protection in this and other areas, including the use of speed boats, are kept constantly under review and the hon. Member will not expect me to make public particulars of our plans.

Mr. MacMillan

I, too, would hate to betray in public the ineffectiveness of the new measures of the Secretary of State, judging by results, but may I ask him whether something might be done along the lines suggested by implication in the Prime Minister's letter to me last summer in which he said that the maximum fines were seldom imposed? Is not a higher minimum fine in the first place called for? Is it not also time that we took unorthodox methods instead of the ones which are so well known and easily evaded with contempt by poachers in this area who come, not from abroad, but from the East Coast of Scotland?

Mr. Maclay

I feel that we must keep this matter in perspective. I am very much aware of the concern felt about the matter in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and in other parts of the West Coast, but so far only six complaints have been received during the present winter season. We are doing some unorthodox things which, I continue to say, I shall not discuss in public.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these boats tap the wireless communications of fishery cruisers and can spot approaching aircraft? Would not the best way of identification, which is the great problem about prosecution, be to use helicopters in that area? They could be used for ambulance services when they are not being used for spotting poachers.

Mr. Maclay

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that all these possibilities have been considered. I expect that the right hon. Gentleman considered them even during the earlier stages of development of the helicopter, but there are difficulties about using helicopters for identification purposes.

Mr. MacMillan

As it is obvious that we shall not get an effective reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

33. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will arrange for fishery protection vessels to give increased protection against illegal trawling, which is taking place in the Gairloch area of Wester Ross.

Mr. Maclay

I have received no reports in recent months of illegal fishing in the Gairloch area of Wester Ross. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that regular patrols of the area are being maintained by the fishery cruisers and that I shall arrange to supplement these if the need arises.

Mr. MacLeod

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have been in correspondence for some time with the Joint Under-Secretary of State on this matter? Does he realise that it is often disastrous for local fishermen, when the bottom of the inshore waters is scraped in the way which is being done at present? Illegal trawling is being carried an. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that at least for the next two months, while white fishing is in progress in the region, adequate protection is given?

Mr. Maclay

I am aware of the great importance of this mattter. As I have said, I have arranged that regular patrols of the area will be maintained by fishery cruisers during this critical period.