HC Deb 16 February 1893 vol 8 cc1558-9
SIR HERBERT MAXWELL (Wigton)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if it is intended to give any effect to the recommendations of the Committee on Crown Rights in Scottish Salmon Fishings, which reported in 1890, or to those of the Committee on White Fishery of the Solway, which reported in 1892?

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

Last week, in reply to the hon. Member for Argyllshire, I stated the steps which the Government had taken to carry out seine recommendations of the Committee on Crown Rights in Scottish Salmon Fishings on which the hon. Baronet did such excellent service. With regard to the Solway Firth, the most important recommendations or the Committee would require legislation of a character which is engaging my consideration.

MR. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, N.)

On the same subject, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will consider the desirability of giving the Scotch fishing community the same rights of fishing at sea as are enjoyed by Englishmen under the Common Law?

SIR G. TREVELYAN

The Scotch-man may not catch a salmon swimming within three miles of the coast of Scotland, and the Englishman may catch a salmon within three miles of the coast of England. The disability imposed on Scotchmen should certainly be removed by an alteration of the law at the earliest opportunity.

SIR H. MAXWELL

Is the question of further grants of fishing rights under the consideration of the Crown?

SIR G. TREVELYAN

Yes; orders have been issued to the Office of Woods and Forests to draw up a scheme enabling the unlet fisheries to be used by the fishing community under licence.