§ Mr. MILLARasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the 1545W Secretary for Scotland, the number of prosecutions for illegal trawling along the coasts of Scotland during the past six months and the number of convictions obtained?
§ Sir J. BAIRDSince the 1st of May last there have been 23 prosecutions for illegal trawling in Scottish waters. In 21 cases a conviction was obtained.
§ Sir M. MACDONALDasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that illegal trawling is prevalent within the three-mile limit around the Northern Scottish coasts, and that discontent and loss is caused among the fishermen who use this area for their livelihood; and whether further policing can be provided without delay?
§ Sir J. BAIRDMy Noble Friend is aware that complaints of illegal trawling have been received from certain localities in the area referred to. All possible attention is being paid to these waters, consistently with the requirements of other districts and the means placed at the disposal of the Fishery- Board for Scotland.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, the annual cost of the fishery protection cruiser "Norna," and the number of convictions for illegal trawling in Orkney and Shetland during the last 12 months that were obtained on the evidence of her officers?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe cost of the maintenance of the fishery cruiser "Noma" is estimated for the current financial year at approximately £7,600. No detections of illegal fishing have been made by the "Noma" in Orkney and Shetland waters during the past year, but the patrol area of the "Noma" is an extensive one, embracing other waters, and taking the area as a whole, there have been comparatively few complaints of illegal fishing during the year. The absence of detections may, therefore, be taken as evidence of the efficiency of the patrol, the primary purpose of which is the prevention of illegal fishing.