MR. CATHCART WASONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Woods and Forests, if he is aware that several years back the Woods and Forests leased or sold to Mr. Middlemore the rights to certain foreshore fishing in Orkney, and that in the same lease or covenant to sell, on behalf of the public, it was stipulated that the public right to the fishing which they had from time immemorial enjoyed should be preserved under regulations to be made by the Secretary for Scotland, and that since then, owing to protracted litigation, no such regulations have been issued; and whether he will now take steps to cancel, in the interests of the public, this lease.
§ MR. MCKENNAThe lease, which contains an option of purchase and has-been extended to Martinmas next, cannot be cancelled, but arrangements have for more than a year past been in operation, under which the public can obtain fishing tickets for 1s. a day during the currency of the lease. Should the sale be carried out any regulations which may be made as regards the fishing will be submitted for the approval of the Secretary for Scotland.