HC Deb 10 April 1888 vol 324 cc847-8
DR. R. MACDONALD (Ross and Cromarty)

asked the Lord Advocate, Whether he will make inquiries as to the truth of the statement that Lord Middleton has placed several hundred posts, with iron hooks attached, across Applecross Bay; whether these posts will prevent herring fishing in the bay; and, whether Lord Middleton is legally justified in thus depriving the local fishermen of the chance of fishing for herrings in the said bay?

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

Inquiry has been made into this matter, from which it appears that Lord Middleton has placed about 36 posts across the north side and towards the head of Applecross Bay, to prevent salmon poaching. I am informed that these posts would not in any way interfere with or hinder herring fishing, if such fishing took place there, which I am led to understand it never does. I could not give the hon. Member any legal opinion on the matter.