Mr. STURROCKasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether it is in contemplation to set up any inquiry into the allegations of illegal trawling at various points on the Scottish coast; and whether, having in view complaints that patrol vessels are inferior in point of speed to many of the new trawlers, special attention will be devoted to this aspect of the question?
§ Captain ELLIOTIt is not proposed to set up any special inquiry. The Fishery Board are fully alive to the318W situation and have recently published a notice reminding fishermen and others of the importance of promptly reporting specific complaints to the Board or their district fishery officer in order that the patrol vessels may give special attention to the parts of the coast which require it at any particular time. The cost of replacing the existing patrol vessels with speedier craft is at present prohibitive, but it is not the case that they are inferior in speed to many of the new trawlers. Special attention is being devoted to increasing the efficiency of the patrol by all available means.