MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the importance that the public on the shores of Loch Etive attach to the matter of sea-trout fishing, and whether he will take steps to assist them in continuing that enjoyment; whether the waters are tidal; and whether hitherto the public have been in the habit of fishing these waters for sea-trout.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have no precise information as to the importance that the public attach to the sea-trout fishing referred to. The waters of Loch Etive are tidal, but this fact does not appear to give the public the right to fish in them for sea-trout. Sea-trout stand on a different legal 1215 footing in this respect to white fish. Inquiry is being made whether the Crown is entitled to any of the salmon and sea-trout fishing, for want of charters to subjects, and when the facts are ascertained I shall be happy to communicate them to the Noble Lord.