55. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Scottish fishing interests concerning the adequacy of protection measures; and whether he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RossFollowing incidents involving Scottish and foreign fishing vessels off the Northumbrian coast, I received a letter from the Firth of Forth Fishermen's Association asking for immediate protection whenever foreign fishing vessels appear off our coast. Primary responsibility for policing United Kingdom fishery limits and protecting our fishing boats against the activities of foreign vessels rests with the Royal Navy and I am in touch with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence, about the matter. It is not, of course, possible to arrange for protection vessels always to be on the scene wherever and whenever foreign vessels appear.
§ Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that a fishery protection vessel is always immediately available to protect fishing boats based in Scottish ports, particularly those in the area east and south of Edinburgh, when foreign vessels appear off the coast.
§ Mr. RossI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer I gave today to a Question from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, North (Earl of Dalkeith).