§ Mr. CordleWith your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of this honourable House, I beg to present a petition on behalf of 41 fishermen of Mudeford and district and others.
The petition shows that there is grave concern over the conservation of British fishing grounds within the 12-mile limit and, indeed, where the six-mile limit applies. Except by special permits the petitioners wish to ban all 8-metre beam trawlers which cause serious damage to the sea bed.
They petition that six patrol vessels are totally inadequate to protect the whole of Britain's coast and propose that a system capable of enforcing existing and further regulations for essential conservation be introduced forthwith.
I warmly support this petition, which states:
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House do most urgently debate the conservation of Britain's fishing grounds and do give protection to the livelihood of Britain's inshore fishermen, and that your honourable House do approve to ban all beam trawling along the South Coast within Britain's territorial waters 12-mile limit, except by local trawl permits to meet local area needs and that your honourable House do enforce existing regulations for conservation by replacing the present proposed naval patrol system by a fast adequate number of vessels competent to enforce conservation in all areas under their control and supervision and do urge your honourable House to call for an immediate inquiry into these matters.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.