HC Deb 24 February 1914 vol 58 c1577
27. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether there is a regulation of one of his many Departments appointing a close time for lobster fishing; if so, what is that close time; if during the close season lobsters are openly displayed for sale throughout the whole of Scotland without any interference on the part of his Department; and will he see that, in view of the fact that the law-abiding suffer loss by this practice, in future any close season will be rigorously enforced?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

An Act of 1735, proceeding on an assumption which scientific opinion does not now support, established a close time from 1st June to 1st September. I am informed that it has not been enforced for many years, and that there is no evidence of any desire for its revival. In the circumstances I am not prepared to take action in the matter.

Mr. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman cancel that Order?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

It is not an Order but an Act, and it does not apply to Scotland alone.