§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been directed to the advertisement by which the lessee claims the absolute ownership of the fishings, ex adverso the estate of Melsetter; and whether, seeing that the lessee is bound to give the public right of fair fishing with rod and line, he will state what steps he proposes to take.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe advertisement dated 19th March, 1901, states that the salmon and trout fishings in the sea ex adverso of the Estate of Melsetter have been granted on lease to Mr. Middlemore and warns people against fishing in those waters or in the burns and lochs of the estate. The lease referred to was granted by the Commissioners of Woods, and under it Mr. Middlemore was bound to execute certain extensive works to improve the Burns as spawning grounds, which works have now been completed, and to permit fishing in the sea by the public for salmon and sea trout under such bye-laws and regulations as to licences as may ultimately be made by any District Fishery Board which may be constituted, and meanwhile under such regulations as may be sanctioned by the Secretary for Scotland. Steps are now being taken to have regulations prepared and approved by the Secretary for Scotland and to point out to the lessee that any further advertisements or notices should be so framed as to show that authority to fish in compliance with these regulations may be obtained on application to the lessee or his agent.