HC Deb 09 July 1936 vol 314 cc1387-8
44. Captain McEWEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make any announcement regarding the date of the next meeting of the Scottish Fishery Board, with a view to the promulgation at the earliest possible moment of the decision of the committee recently set up to inquire into the question of the area allotted to seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The Fishery Board are holding a special meeting tomorrow to consider the recommendation of their committee and to decide whether they will submit for confirmation a by-law modifying the existing seine-net fishing area in the Firth of Forth.

Mr. HENDERSON STEWART

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman remember in this connection that at least 80 per cent. of the seine-net fishermen in the Firth of Forth are definitely against the extension of this area?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

All relevant considerations will be taken into account, and if the board decides to make a bylaw, the hon. Member will be aware that for the statutory period it will have to be advertised in order that objections may be considered.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that there is a good deal of divergence of opinion in the Firth of Forth upon this point?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I have good reason to know that.