MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Lord Advocate (1) if he will state to whom the salmon, sea trout, and brown trout fishing in Loch Etive belongs; how long is it since the Crown sold its rights; was the sale publicly advertised; and what was the purchase price? And (2) whether, when the Crown held the fishing rights of Loch Etive, there was any restriction exercised upon the public preventing them fishing for sea trout; and whether, now that the rights are sold, there is a restriction?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSESalmon and sea trout fishings in Scotland belonging to the Crown are under the management of the Commissioners of Woods, but the Crown's prerogative right does not extend to brown trout. Salmon and sea trout fishings in Loch Etive appear to be claimed, by certain landowners under ancient Crown Charters. There has been no sale of any fishings in the loch by the Commissioners of Woods. If the Noble Lord has reason to believe that there are any unchartered salmon and sea trout fishings in the loch, and will furnish particulars, inquiry will be made by the Commissioners of Woods.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rights are claimed by proprietors as having bought them from the Crown recently, and that the public have been stopped from fishing in this loch?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am not aware of the last part of the hon. Member's question. I have stated in my answer that salmon and sea trout fishings in Loch Etive appear to be claimed by certain landowners under ancient Crown Charters.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat may involve some legal point, and I should not like to give an answer now. If the hon. Member will communicate with me I will make inquiries.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYAre we to understand that there has been no sale of rights of any kind by the Crown?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEYes; that is my information.