§ Mr. FREDERICK WHYTEasked whether the Moray Firth salmon fishings in the possession of the Crown are usually let by public tender; and whether this practice has been followed by the Office of Woods and Forests in respect of certain leases which expire next Martinmas?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe salmon fishings on the Scotch coast belonging to the Crown are usually let by public tender. As I explained in reply to a question on the 7th instant, the Commissioner of Woods has entered into a provisional agreement for letting certain fishings in the Moray Firth to a company without inviting tenders from others, but having regard to the representations which have been made, further inquiries are being prosecuted before a final decision is arrived at.
§ Mr. FREDERICK WHYTEWhen will the official decision be made?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAs soon as the further inquiries have been made.