asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the loss and damage inflicted on the Aberdeen fishing industry by trespass on their fishing grounds by foreign fishing fleets; and what steps he is taking to strengthen and increase Scottish protection fleets.

I am not sure that I understand what my hon. and learned Friend has in mind. Nearly all the grounds fished by the Aberdeen fishing industry are on the high seas and as much open to foreign fishing vessels as to our own.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that there are traditional fishing grounds which have been customarily fished by Aberdeen fishing fleets for many years—indeed, for many generations—and will he strengthen the fishing fleets by adding to them observer planes which will enable them to see poaching fishing fleets at a greater distance? Will he take steps to that end?

I am aware that the Aberdeen trawlers have lost valuable and traditional grounds by the extension of the Faroese limits. My hon. and learned Friend will be aware that Her Majesty's Government acquiesced in this situation. I am glad to say that Aberdeen trawlers have in the meantime been enjoying reasonably good fishing elsewhere. I hope that that continues.