§ 22. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Fishery Board for Scotland are taking to prevent damage to salmon fisheries by the common seal?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe prevention of damage by seals to salmon fisheries is primarily a matter for the proprietors of the fishings or the salmon fishery district boards, some of whom, I understand, offer rewards for the destruction of seals; and the Fishery Board for Scotland have not up to the present found it necessary themselves to initiate any action in the matter.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONWill the hon. Gentleman request the Fishery Board to ascertain the actual amount of damage that is done?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI understand that is being done.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIf it is being done, cannot the hon. Gentleman say what the result of the inquiry is?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNo, because it is not complete.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELDoes not the hon. Gentleman's admission show that the contention of my hon. Friend and myself that these seals break nets is true?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe answer given is only to the effect that the district boards and the proprietors of fishings have in the past actually offered rewards for the destruction of seals. Whether that is advisable or not I offer no opinion.
§ Mr. SAMUELWhy do they ask for seals to be destroyed except that they are doing damage?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDIs it not a fact that a great deal of the damage that is supposed to be caused by the common seal is in reality caused by the grey seal, which is protected by law?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThat may be so, but I should be glad to have notice.