HC Deb 06 March 1968 vol 760 cc427-8
24. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the damage caused to the inshore fishing grounds on the North-West coast of Ross-shire by seine net boats, and in particular the threat to the tourist industry in Ullapool which has become a major sea angling festival centre in recent years, he will take immediate steps to protect those grounds from this illegal fishing.

Mr. Buchan

I have no evidence of extensive illegal fishing in the area, but we shall continue to do our best to see that it does not occur.

Mr. Mackenzie

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind the special claims of Ullapool for the protection of its fishing grounds, in view of the importance of the sea angling festival which started in recent years and promises to be a great success and a special tourist attraction?

Mr. Buchan

We will pay special attention to this. To some extent there is already protection, for example within the Summer Isles, where much of the sea angling takes place. This is a very useful development, helpful to the whole of Scotland and to that particular area. We shall be giving it encouragement.