§ 28. Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the Scottish Fishing Protection Squadron is at sufficient strength to protect Scottish fisheries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BuchanI think my Department's fishery cruisers are generally effective in keeping down infringements of the regulations governing methods of fishing. The strength of the fleet is, however, one aspect of the protection service which will be looked at by the committee of inquiry which my right hon. Friend announced on 8th December last.—[Vol. 755 c. 423–4.]
§ Mr. BakerDoes the Minister agree that with the partial lifting of the 3-mile limit for the inshore fishermen part of the strength of his squadron can now be deployed in keeping foreigners at bay? What plans has he for the use of helicopters to strengthen the squadron in the future?
§ Mr. BuchanThe question of the use of helicopters will be within the remit of the committee, and I should not like to comment on that. A great deal of the problem of foreign vessels is the responsibilrty of the naval protection service.