§ DR. MACDONALD (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to an indignation meeting of the Lewis fishermen, held at Stornoway on the 23rd April, in reference to the persistence of East Coast fishermen in fishing for herrings there, in contravention of the general understanding for a close time for fishing; what is the result of the inquiries made by the Government as to the advisability of, or necessity for, a close time, and do they intend to take such steps as will prevent herring fishing in portions of the sea where it is almost the unanimous desire of the local fishermen that a close time should be kept?
§ *THE LORD ADVOCATE (Sir C. J. PEARSON,) Edinburgh and St. Andrews UniversitiesI have seen a report of the meeting referred to by the hon. Member. The inquiries made by the Secretary for Scotland disclose a considerable divergence of opinion amongst the fishermen, fishcurers, and others interested in regard to the question of establishing a close time for herrings. The Government, therefore, under these circumstances, do not propose to introduce legislation on the subject.