HC Deb 02 August 1887 vol 318 cc915-6
MR. ANDERSON (Elgin and Nairn)

asked the Lord Advocate, Whether the Government have considered the following recommendation of the Scotch Fishery Board, contained in their Report presented to the Secretary for Scotland on 2nd May, 1887:— We have come to the conclusion that a general measure, not very extensive in its scope, and purely permissive in its character, ought to be passed for the purpose of enabling fishermen from amongst themselves to organize, under the name of District Fishery Boards, a Local Authority which should be empowered to manage harbours and levy dues to be expended in their repair and maintenance. It is obvious that such a measure would be a great been to fishermen."—(Report, pp. 24, 25.) what course the Government intend to take regarding this recommendation, and with regard to the suggested provisions to be contained in such measure set out on page 25 of the Report; has any Bill been prepared by the Secretary for Scotland embodying the foregoing suggestions, or any of them, and when will such Bill be introduced; and, if no such. Bill has been prepared, will the Government have one drafted without delay and introduced this Session, so that its provisions may be considered by the fishing community in Scotland during the Recess?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)

The Report of the Fishery Board, though dated 2nd May, could not be finally adjusted till a much, later date. The Secretary for Scotland, on receiving it, at once considered the recommendations of the Board, referred to in the Question. It is considered that the proposal to establish new Local Authorities, with powers to levy dues on the community, calls for very careful consideration and a very well-matured scheme if other public Bodies and the public generally are to be duly protected; and at this period of the Session, and with impending legislation on local government generally, it would be unwise to frame hastily, and pass through Parliament such a scheme as that suggested.

DR. CLARK (Caithness)

asked, whether the Fishery Board expired this year; and what the Government intended doing in regard to the renewal of it?

[No reply.]