asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of convictions for breach of the law committed along the East Coast of Scotland, respectively, for illegal trawling and for illegal seining during the last three years?

In 1933 the number of convictions for illegal trawling was seven, for illegal seining nine. The corresponding figures for 1932 were three and ten, and in 1931 none and 17 respectively. These figures relate to the East Coast of Scotland, including the Moray Firth but excluding Orkney and Zetland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of recorded convictions constitutes less than 1 per cent. of the boats engaged in illegal operations, having regard to the reports made from time to time about offenders which have been seen but escaped by concealing their names and numbers?

I am afraid that I have not made the arithmetical calculation that the hon. Member has in his mind.