§ MR. J. W. BARCLAYasked the Lord Advocate, Whether he will suggest to the Scotch Fishery Board the propriety of instituting a public inquiry to ascertain whether the allegations by net and line fishermen, that trawling is prejudicial to spawning beds and the supply of fish, and causes great damage to nets and lines, are well founded; and, if so, to suggest a remedy?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)Sir, I am informed by the Fishery Board that they have issued a list of queries on the subject of trawling to the fishery officers and superintendents. The officers, numbering upwards of 30, are stationed over the whole fishery districts in Scotland, and are men of great experience, well qualified to form an opinion on the subject. As soon as their replies are received, the Board will be in a position to make a 1481 Report. While an inquiry in this form is proceeding, from which I hope very useful results may be obtained, I do not think it necessary to suggest to the Board to hold a public inquiry.