§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that when gear of seine net vessels is seized by Her Majesty's fishery officer on a charge of illegal fishing the period of waiting for a hearing is often so long that deterioration of the nets occurs, and that, when a charge is dismissed, injustice and loss is thereby inflicted on innocent fishermen; and if he will take steps to ensure that in such cases the nets are preserved intact and returned to their owners in good condition.
§ Mr. MaclayAll gear seized by my officers is stored with great care. I am informed that nets are thus usually preserved in the condition in which they are received; but seine net warps are liable to deteriorate in store whatever the precautions taken.
§ Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider the payment of compensation in 26W cases where gear of seine net vessels, seized by a fishery officer for alleged illegal fishing, deteriorates during the period of seizure, and where the alleged offence is not established as a result of court action.
§ Mr. MaclayI regret that I have no power to pay compensation in such cases, but the hon. Lady's point has been noted for consideration.