§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Severn Fisheries Provisional Order Bill arouses considerable opposition in Montgomeryshire; and whether, for this reason and because of the complicated nature of the Bill and the many Amendments necessary, he will consider the propriety of dropping it, at any rate for the present Session?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYYes, Sir. But the preparation of the Order now submitted has entailed a great deal of labour, and the Board would be sorry that the Bill should be abandoned until it has been considered by a Parliamentary Committee.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the hon. Baronet aware that Montgomeryshire folk entertain strong objection to being forced to eat their salmon with Worcester sauce and will he note that fact in his Department?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThat is a question which should be brought before the Committee at the proper time.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked whether, having regard to the fact that all the riparian counties, with the exception of Worcestershire, have, through their county council representatives, criticised adversely the provisions of the Severn Fisheries Provisional Order Bill, the Government propose to proceed with the further stages of this Bill on the footing that it is a non-contentious measure?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)No, Sir, according to my information this Bill cannot be regarded as a non-contentious measure.
§ Mr. HICKS BEACHIs it not a fact that all the counties except Worcestershire are unanimously opposed to the Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat shows it is contentious.