§ SIR JOHN HAYasked the Lord Advocate, If his attention has been directed to the Merchant Shipping (Fishing Boats) Bill; and, whether, considering its inappropriate character for Scotland, he will consider the necessity for excluding Scotland from its provisions?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)We are satisfied that the provisions of this Bill are inappropriate to the circumstances and conditions 1353 under which the fishing industry is carried on in Scotland, and accordingly the Bill will not be made applicable to Scotland. This determination is in accordance with the strongly-expressed desire of Scotch Members representing fishing constituencies, and with representations received from Scotch fishing communities.
§ SIR JOHN HAY, in thanking his right hon. and learned Friend for his answer, asked whether, as the Bill stood on the Paper, and no Notice had been given of the intended exclusion of Scotland, the Lord Advocate would take that precaution?