Major WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the result of his further inquiries into the destruction of cod nets by foreign trawlers in the Moray Firth; and, in particular, whether he can give any information as to the amount, of the losses sustained by the fishermen, and as to individual trawlers responsible for any of the damage?
Mr. W. ADAMSONSo far 23 complaints of damage attributed by the local fishermen to foreign trawlers have been received, and the total loss involved is estimated at about £789. Reports made by the Commander of His Majesty's Ship "Spey" and by the local fishery officers, after investigation of cases, have been sent by my Department to the Board of Trade, who are considering the evidence available for proceedings in foreign. Courts against particular trawlers. In view of the serious damage reported, the Foreign Office at my request sent an urgent telegram last week to His Majesty's Representative at The Hague in order to ensure that the request issued to Dutch trawlers to take measures to avoid damage to the cod nets may be made completely effective. The hon. and gallant Member may be assured that everything possible will be done by the Government to make representations in 223W each case, and I am so impressed with the serious situation which has arisen, and which may develop from the present unsatisfactory position of affairs in the Moray Firth, that I am making special inquiries into the whole situation.