§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, as it is desirable to have information before the Scottish Estimates are taken regarding the intentions of the Government, he can inform the House if they intend to take any action to put an end to the denuding of the protected waters of the Moray Firth by foreigners at the expense of British interests, on which subject a deputation waited on the Prime Minister on the 8th instant, when it was informed that the question would receive consideration; and whether, especially as the Session is shortly ending, when it will be impossible to draw the attention of Parliament if any breach, of the law were to take place, an event which might unfortunately be anticipated under the present state of affairs in those waters, the Government will effect some change so as to prevent the continuance of such practices for another winter?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI am afraid I can give no other answer to the honourable Gentleman upon this subject than the promise already given by the Prime Minister that the difficult questions alluded to in the inquiry will be carefully considered, as they are being by the Government at the present time.
§ MR. PIRIEWill the right honourable Gentleman, as this matter is of vital importance, hold out any hope that before the end of the Session he will make any statement as to what action will be taken during the coming winter?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI do not wish to give an absolute pledge on the subject, but I have very little doubt that the Government will be in a position to say something before the end of the Session.