§ 7. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, before coming to a decision to open part of the Firth of Clyde previously closed to trawling, the authorities heard the views of those interested in fishing other than representatives of the trawling interests; if so, whether they were favourable to the opening of the Firth to trawling; and whether he will issue a statement giving their views on the matter?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. MacRobert)I would refer the hon. Member to the replies last Tuesday in which my right hon. Friend intimated his decision not to confirm the bylaw opening a part of the Firth of Clyde to trawling. The Fishery Board, before making the bylaw, had considered the matter from all points of view and were fully aware of the relevant facts and of the opinions of all the interests concerned. In these circumstances, and having regard to the statutory procedure prior to confirmation by 2233 the Secretary of State of a bylaw submitted to him, the Board did not consider it necessary to hold a local inquiry before making the bylaw. The objections to the bylaw have received considerable publicity, and my right hon. Friend sees no object in issuing a statement at this date, especially as the bylaw is not being confirmed.
§ Mr. MACLEANSince the Fishery Board have already agreed to have part of the Firth thrown open to trawling, would the hon. and learned Member inform the House whether it is not advisable that the statements which were made by those interested other than on the side of the fishing industry should be made known, so that we can understand who are behind this decision, and what induced the Fishery Board to give authority for trawling?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDAll the relevant facts were before the Fishery Board. The by-law is not valid until it has been confirmed.
§ Mr. MACLEANMy question asks the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is going to give to the House the information I have asked for as well as the evidence given to the Fishery Board which led the Board to decide to throw open the Firth for trawling.
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDThey did not decide to open this particular district for trawling. The bylaw proposed that, but it was not confirmed, and sufficient publicity of that fact has been given to the different interests involved.
§ Mr. MACLEANThe fact that the bylaw was not confirmed was due to the objections that were taken by the public in the Clyde area—
§ Mr. MACLEANI am asking the hon. and learned Gentleman if he will inform the House what led the Fishery Board to approve of the opening of the Firth for trawling?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDI think the House has sufficient information.
§ Mr. MACLEANI must insist, and, if the hon. and learned Gentleman does not 2234 intend to give the House the information, I want to give him notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for Adjournment to-morrow.