§ MR. ANDERSON (Elgin and Nairn)asked the Lord Advocate, What inquiries have been made by the Scotch Fishery Board as to the existence and extent of private rights in mussel beds in the tidal waters of Scotland; what inquiries have been made as to the nature of such rights; what conclusions have been come to by the Fishery Board as to the best way of dealing with the mussel beds, and of enabling fishermen 697 to obtain bait at reasonable rates; and, what course does the Government intend to take this Session on the subject?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)In answer to the first and second Questions of the hon. Member, no inquiries have been made since the presentation to Parliament of the Report on this subject last Session. The Fishery Board have come to no such conclusions as are indicated in the third Question put by the hon. Member; but, as mentioned in their last Annual Report, they have issued Regulations for the guidance of persons wishing to cultivate oyster and mussel beds, and are affording them every assistance and encouragement. The Government are fully aware of the importance of this subject, and of the difficulties which surround it; but are not, as at present advised, prepared to take any immediate action in the matter.