§ MR. J. DEWAR (Inverness)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that a conviction under the Salmon Fishing Act of 1844 was recently obtained in the Inverness Sheriff Court against a Fort Augustus angler for fishing in Loch Ness; if he is aware that the public have from time immemorial exercised unchallenged the right of fishing in Loch Ness, which is a navigable loch; and if he will take the necessary steps to ascertain what are the rights of the public in this matter, and, if necessary, to protect them.
§ MR. SINCLAIRA conviction was recently given, as stated. I am not aware as to the exercise by the public of the right of salmon fishing in Loch Ness; as far as I am informed it does not appear to differ from other lochs in Scotland in this respect; if my hon. friend desires me to do so, I will make further inquiry upon that point.
§ MR. J. DEWARWill the fishing rights in Loch Ness come within the inquiry to be held into Scottish riparian rights generally?
§ MR. SINCLAIRsaid he could give no definite pledge as to the scope of that inquiry, and he would like notice of questions as to particular fishings.
§ MR. ANNAN BRYCE (Inverness Burghs)Will inquiry be made as regards other lochs?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI understand the law is the same for all lochs of the same character.