§ SIR H. MAXWELL (Wigton)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Fishery Board have issued, or are about to issue, an Order establishing Loch Ryan as a several oyster fishery; and, if so, whether the Order will be so framed as to safeguard the interests of line fishermen who depend upon the foreshores of the said loch for their supply of bait?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonI am informed by the Fishery Board that a Memorial has been received from Mr. Wallace, praying for the grant of an Order for an oyster fishery in Loch Ryan, and that a Draft Order has been advertised and circulated in accordance with the Board's Regulations. An inquiry has recently been held with reference to the matter at Stranraer by an Inspector appointed by the Board, but his Report has not yet been considered by them. At this inquiry all parties wishing to be heard 458 for their interest were afforded an opportunity of giving evidence. I may point out that, should the Board decide to make an Order, it would have to be subject to my approval, and, if approved, Parliament would subsequently have an opportunity of considering it when introduced in the form of a Provisional Order Bill. With reference to the interests of all parties concerned, I will carefully consider the terms of any Order which may be submitted to me by the Fishery Board.