§ 28. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a report on the recent operation of the extensions of Scottish fishing limits indicating the number and nature of international fishing incidents which have resulted from that extension; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WillisSince the new fishery limits came into operation on 30th September, only one foreign fishing vessel, a Frenchman, has been detected fishing within the new limits off Scotland. This incident occurred on 1st October in the Firth of Clyde, and the vessel was warned and escorted outside the limits.
§ Mr. HughesDoes my hon. Friend realise that the fishing fleets in the North Sea are exposed to great danger and to limitations owing to recent legislation? What steps is he taking to see that the patrol vessels in the North Sea are sufficient for the purpose, having regard to modern scientific discoveries and inventions?
§ Mr. WillisAs I understand it, the question of the patrol vessels has been looked into.