asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce legislation to close the Minch to trawling, in order to prevent the further decline of the industry of inshore fishing, and protect the fresh fish supply of the Hebridean communities?

Legislation for the purpose mentioned in the question would involve controversial issues of a far-reaching character and I am unable to hold out a prospect of its introduction.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that at present these trawlers are one of the chief causes of the decline of inshore fishing in the Minch, and that without legislation that decline will continue? Can he take no action for the inshore fishing?

That can be argued at length, but it is recognised that the closing of the Minch would raise very wide issues in relation to other waters.