HC Deb 26 February 1973 vol 851 c293W
Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give general directions to ensure that fishing rights in rivers over which the electricity boards have jurisdiction are sold to the local authorities.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I have no power to direct the boards to sell fishing rights, or local authorities to acquire them.

Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make proposals to ensure continuing public access to the rivers which the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board proposes to sell into private ownership.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I am not aware of any firm proposals by the board to sell fishings at the present time, but if the question of sale were to arise one of the issues needing careful consideration would be public access to the rivers concerned.