8. Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received, and from what sources, following the incident off the Faroe Isles with a Danish gunboat involving Scottish trawlers.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Scottish Trawlers' Federation made representations about this incident and sought confirmation that British vessels have full rights to continue operating up to the 12-mile limit round the Faroes. This assurance has been given.
Mr. BakerWill my hon. Friend undertake that the Government will stand firm on the position he has outlined? Will he underline the importance to the Scottish fishing industry of the Faröese waters by stating the proportion of the Scottish catch caught there?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Government have made their position entirely clear on 1273 this issue. I must again emphasise how important is the fishing around the Faroes to the Scottish fleet. Last year 16 per cent. by weight and 17 per cent. by value of the Scottish catch came from those waters. For the Aberdeen fleet the proportion is even higher.