§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is aware of the landing of salmon at a Scottish port by a foreign vessel; what information he has regarding the method by which these salmon were caught; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossYes. The Danish motor vessel "Faro Bank" landed 1,413 gutted salmon weighing 10,139 lbs. at Stone-haven on 20th May. The catch was sold at prices ranging from 6d. to 6s. 4d. per 1b.; the total sum realised was £1,020, representing an average price of about 2s. per lb.
I understand that the salmon were taken in an area to the west of the Lofoten Islands. My Department's local Inspector 125W of Fisheries, who examined the fish and the vessel's gear, was satisfied from the hook marks visible on the fish that the salmon had been caught by long line. Neither the method of catching nor the landing itself involved any infringement of the regulations.