Mr. MACINTOSH (Invernessshire)asked the Lord Advocate whether nets placed on the sea coasts of Scotland, or in estuaries, for the purpose of taking salmon, are subject to the law or custom of Saturday "slap" in Scottish Rivers, and liable to confiscation or penalty, if kept set over Sundays; whether he is aware that salmon nets on the coasts of the Islands of Skye and Raasay, are never closed during the fishing season; whether he is aware that this practice, involving constant Sunday labour, within view of those attending Divine Service, is a just cause of offence to the people; and, whether means can be taken to put an end to -the desecration?
§ *THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON, Buteshire)The Statutory salp and the relative penalties are expressed by the Statutes as applying to the several districts to be constituted by the Commissioners. It so happens that Raasay is not comprehended within any district, and it is maintained that in consequence the Statutory slap does not 1844 apply, and the nets are not lifted. I am informed that this does not necessarily involve touching the nets on Sunday. If, however, offence is caused to the feelings of anyone, he has a remedy by trying the question under the 28th Section of the Act of 1862, which gives the right of prosecution to the Clerk of the District Board, or to any other person. Skye is included in a district, and the weekly time close time therefore applies.