MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked whether the claim to the Loch Etive salmon and sea-trout fishings by certain landowners under ancient Crown charters is admitted; what are the names of the various landowners concerned; and whether certain members of the public are acting outwith their rights in claiming the sea-trout fishing for the public which appears hitherto to have enjoyed such fishing?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am unable to say whether the claims have a good foundation, but inquiries will be made into them. The Commissioners of Woods are not at present able to give the names of all the various landowners concerned. The Commissioners are not aware that the public have any legal right to fish for sea-trout, and I am unable to say whether they enjoy such fishing. I do not.