§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the greatest dissatisfaction exists amongst the fishermen of the Highlands and Islands in consequence of the laws relating to sea fishing; and whether the Government will support a measure under which salmon and trout in any part of the sea shall be the property of the fishermen who net or catch them?
§ MR. J. B. BALFOURI am aware that much dissatisfaction exists amongst the fishermen around the coasts of Scotland on the subject to which this query relates. The Government have it in contemplation to arrange for licences being granted to fish for salmon, and other fish of the salmon kind, in places around the coasts of Scotland, where the right of salmon fishing has not been already granted to private individuals.
§ MR. MACFARLANE (Argyll)How about the rights that have not been given to private individuals?
§ MR. J. B. BALFOURIn cases where the rights have not been given to private individuals they are vested in the Crown.
§ MR. J. B. BALFOURI know that ray right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland is doing all he can to forward the matter.
§ DR. MACGREGORDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the House is aware——
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is a matter of opinion. The hon. Member is entitled to ask questions only.
§ DR. MACGREGORI am seeking for information. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when a fisherman whose family perhaps is on the verge of starvation, while pursuing his ordinary calling, catches in his nets a salmon, and takes it home for food, he is seized by the keepers and watchers, and either fined or sent to prison?
§ [No answer was given.]