MR. CATHCART WASONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if the temporary lease by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests of certain sea fishings in Orkney confers on the lessees absolute power of prohibiting the public from exercising rights and privileges which it is claimed that the public have always enjoyed.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. There are only two such leases, and in each case the lessee has given an undertaking to grant permits to all bonâ fide fishermen with rod and line. I must not be understood to express any opinion as to the legality or otherwise of the rights claimed for the public.