§ 20. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is being taken by the Fishery Board for Scotland to diminish the loss among salmon and sea trout owing to the large increase in the number of grey seals round the coasts.
§ Major ELLIOTThe Fishery Board for Scotland have been making investigations with a view to ascertaining how far the number of grey seals has increased, 2036 and to what extent they are responsible for damage to salmon and sea trout. Until these investigations have been further pursued, the Board are not in a position to express a definite opinion whether any action is necessary.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONWill the hon. and gallant Member urge the Fishery Board to make further inquiries as soon as possible, in view of the report on this subject?
§ Major ELLIOTThe Fishery Board have the matter under consideration at the present time.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that English seals do not eat fish, according to the Minister of Agriculture, and will he see if he cannot bring about a transmigration?
§ Major ELLIOTNo doubt that is one of the matters which will be taken into consideration.