§ 69. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the practice of the Office of Woods to refuse fishermen leases of estuarial salmon fishings belonging to the Crown because of the fear that fishermen will use fixed nets; and will he say why the regulations cannot prevent fishermen using such nets in the same way as landowners are prevented?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The regulations referred to apply to all persons who fish for salmon, whether fishermen or landowners.
§ Mr. WATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Office of Woods and Forests gave that as an excuse, and will he say when they will give equality to fishermen and landowners?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs spokesman for the policy of the Office, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the balance is held equally between the fishermen and the landowners in respect of any lease with which I have any dealing.
§ Captain MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman let out these salmon fishings in smaller holdings than at present?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe have to consider the salmon fishings on their merits.