§ 17. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware 1703 of the damage by seals to fishing on the east coast of Scotland; and what action he proposes to prevent it.
§ Mr. BuchanYes, Sir, I am aware of reports of damage done by seals to salmon, cod and nets. Measures to control grey seals in the Orkneys have been taken in the last five years. My right hon. Friend will consider future action in the light of the advice from the Seals Sub-Committee of the Natural Environment Research Council. Moreover, as my right hon. Friend has told the hon. Gentleman in the past, fishermen are free to kill seals without permits between 1st January and 31st August each year.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that not only salmon netting but white fishing has been severely damaged and that the damage on the East Coast of Scotland amounts to £50,000 a year? The evidence is that the seals come from the Farne Islands. Will he make the strongest possible representations to his right hon. Friend that proper control should be exercised at the source of the trouble—where these seals come from?
§ Mr. BuchanThe hon. Gentleman will recall the answer given to him a week ago in this House. Of course, my right hon. Friend is in close contact with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to discuss this question. But the situation is not entirely within our control. Discussions are going on with the National Trust. We are aware of the problem concerning the Farne Islands.