§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Provisional Order applied for by the Norfolk River Conservators, under The Salmon and Fresh Water Fisheries Act, 1907, only deals with the administration of public rights on waters where no question arises as to the existence of public rights, whereas the Petition recently presented on behalf of the mayor and corporation of the city of Norwich, and a number of the inhabitants of Norfolk and Suffolk and other persons interested in the preservation and free opening of the Norfolk broads and 1848 rivers, asks for an inquiry into the existence of public rights on waters where those rights are questioned, for the purpose of public and private rights being clearly ascertained and legally defined; and whether he would reconsider the matter with a view to the prayer of the memorialists being granted?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The application for the Provisional Order is not limited to "the administration of public rights" or to "waters where no question arises as to the existence of public rights." The Government think it desirable to await the Report of the inquiry which is about to be made before coming to any decision as to the appointment of a Royal Commission as suggested.