§ 30. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, 7 owing to the present sea fishery rights, a Scottish fisherman who catches salmon or salmon trout in his herring net is expected to throw such fish, dead or alive, into the water again, and may be prosecuted for having salmon or salmon trout in his possession and heavily fined if he attempts to sell them; and whether, in view of the present position of food supplies, he will take steps to modify this arrangement and permit fishermen to dispose of all fish which they may catch without risk of prosecution, fine, or imprisonment?
§ Mr. CLYDESuch taking of salmon or sea trout as is referred to in the question is, if wilfully or intentionally done, an offence punishable by fine or imprisonment. I am not aware of any obligation by the taker to return the fish to the sea. Such fish are forfeitable under the Salmon Act of 1844. The taking of salmon by herring nets can only occur in the rare case of anchored nets set close in shore, and the position of the nets would in most cases afford evidence of intention.
§ Mr. HOGGECan my right hon. Friend state what steps are being taken in Scotland to use fresh-water fish?
§ Mr. CLYDEThe question does not apply to fresh-water fish. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.