§ Mr. J. STUARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the numerous cases of illegal trawling which have taken place during recent months in the Moray Firth within the fishery limits from Findhorn to Tarbetness lighthouse; whether he is aware that previous requests have been made for more adequate policing of the area near Nairn; and whether he will undertake to protect the interests of line fishermen in this area by seeing that the law is enforced more strictly?
Mr. W. ADAMSONDuring the past four months no complaints of illegal trawling have been received by the Fishery-Board from the particular area of the Moray Firth in question. Four complaints of illegal seine net fishing have been promptly investigated, but without any definite evidence being obtained against any particular boat. A recent case in connection with which an allegation 51W of attempted violence is made is now being investigated. The area is receiving close attention, and every effort is being and will be made by the Board to deal with complaints of illegal fishing.