MR. CATHCART WASONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Commissioners of Wood and Forests, whether, in view of the fact that the lease of certain fishings in Orkney was only for a term of two years, and that within that period the lessee could purchase, subject to regulations to be approved by the Secretary for Scotland, for the due protection of the public; rights to free fair rod fishing in the sea, and, seeing that the lease has been extended for a further period of twelve months, the lessee taking advantage of such extension to advertise that the sea-fishing is strictly preserved, he will arrange that no further extension will be granted without public inquiry.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOK CAVENDISH,) Derbyshire, W.A question as to the legal rights of the Crown as regards fishing for sea trout, etc., in the Orkney Islands, has been raised by a landowner; and, if this question is definitely disposed of before Martinmas next, no extension of the lease will be granted. In any case no further extension of the lease will be granted without due notice, and any representations made by persons interested will be fully considered.