HC Deb 16 July 1929 vol 230 cc241-2W
Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in securing the exclusion of foreign trawlers from British fishing waters; and whether, in view of the recent increase of poaching in the Clyde estuary by Fleetwood and other trawlers, he will take steps to have carried into effect the recommendations, made by the MacKenzie Committee in 1924, for greatly increasing the facilities for the apprehension and also the penalties inflicted upon those who engage in illegal trawling in prohibited waters?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

The question of trawling by foreign vessels in the Firth of Clyde depends on the general question of territorial waters which is at present under examination by the League of Nations; and pending the result no action is possible with a view to the exclusion of foreign trawlers from the extra-territorial waters of the firth of Clyde. I am considering what steps are possible with a view to dealing more effectively with the matter of illegal trawling in the Firth of Clyde and in other waters.

Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will be in a position to announce his proposals for the improvement of the fishing industry in Scotland; and if he proposes to put into effect the remaining recommendations of the Lord MacKenzie Report?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

My consideration of the various questions affecting the fishing industry is proceeding, and I have arranged to receive a deputation from the herring fishing industry at an early date. I cannot at present state when a decision on particular matters will be reached. I shall certainly bear in mind the outstanding proposals of the MacKenzie Report.

Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take for the improvement and upkeep of piers and harbours in Scotland; and if the Government will take over at once any monetary guarantees that may have already been given by private individuals or local authorities in connection with the construction and improvement of public piers and harbours?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

As regards the first part of the quesiton, I would refer the right hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar) and the hon. Member for Argyll (Mr. Macquisten) last Tuesday. The question of transferring obligations under guarantees from private individuals or local authorities to the Government would obviously raise very serious issues and I am not in a position to give any undertaking in the matter at the present time.

Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the practically unanimous desire on the part of Scottish fishermen for a close time in herring fishing; whether he will take steps to find out whether the operation of the voluntarily imposed close time which ended on Monday, 10th June, 1927, has been beneficial to the herring industry; and, if so, whether he will instruct the Fishery Board to issue regulations to make such close time compulsory in future?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

I am aware of the position and shall have inquiries made as suggested. Pending the result of those inquiries I am unable to express any opinion on the third part of the question, but in the meantime I may say that legislation would be necessary before the Fishery Board could issue regulations as suggested.