§ MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a notice issued by the clerk of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, Fishmongers' Hall, London, and headed Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Acts, 1828 to 1868, warning fishermen and others against the taking of salmon or sea trout without a legal right or permission to do so, under a penalty of £5 and liability to forfeit boats and nets so used, and claiming power to search all boats and receptacles, whether at sea or on shore, and declaring that the possession of such salmon or sea trout shall be prima facie evidence of intention to contravene the Acts: whether he is aware that the notice has been extensively circulated in the fishery districts of Scotland; whether the Scottish Office has been consulted in the matter; and whether he proposes to take any action.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI have seen the notice referred to by my hon. friend. The Scottish Office was not consulted before it was issued. The wording of the notice 483 is based upon the provisions of the Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1868; and as that Act allows any person to prosecute for the enforcement of its provisions I cannot say that the Fishmongers' Company have exceeded their rights, nor have I any jurisdiction to interfere with their action.
§ MR. AINSWORTHAre not the executive in Scotland competent to carry out the ordinary law without the assistance of the Fishmongers' Company in London?
§ MR. SINCLAIRThe Boards cannot override powers given by Statute.