§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is now the intention of the Woods and Forest Department to give preference to fishermen working the fishings for their livelihood in leasing Scottish salmon fishings from the Crown if they are prepared to offer the market rates?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe general practice of the Commissioners of Woods is to grant leases of salmon fishings in Scotland to the persons who tender the best rents, provided their references are satisfactory. In the case of two offers of the same rent being made, one by a fisherman who has worked the fishings for his livelihood and one by some other person, the fisherman would generally be given the preference, subject to satisfactory references.
§ Mr. WATTThe recommendation of the Commission is to be adhered to by the Department, if I understood aright?