§ MR. AINSWORTHI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the damage caused to the herring fishery in the Clyde by the use of the seine net during the spawning season; whether he is aware that by the use of this net spawning fish are caught which would otherwise escape, and when caught are only of small market value, while other fish are destroyed which have no market value at the time; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to the advantage of establishing a close time for the some net from 1st February to 15th May in each year.
§ MR. SINCLAIRThe matter referred to by my hon. friend has already been the subject of prolonged inquiry and the conclusions drawn there from do not tend to establish the theory that this mode of fishing conducted in waters suitable thereto is necessarily injurious.
§ MR. AINSWORTHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all public opinion, with one exception, is in favour of a close time for the seine net?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI will accept it.
§ MR. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman institute an inquiry either by the Fishery Board or by a separate Commission into the opinions held by fishermen on the Clyde?
§ MR. SINCLAIRA prolonged inquiry has already taken place on this very subject, and in my opinion there is no necessity to institute a further inquiry.
§ MR. H. J. TENNANT. (Berwickshire)What was the nature of the inquiry?
§ MR. SINCLAIRasked for notice.