§ 5. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet sent a reply to Ross and Cromarty County Council about proposals it made last May for fishery protection in the Minch.
§ Mr. LeburnYes, Sir. The county council were informed in August that the question was still under consideration and a letter was sent on 30th October reporting the outcome.
§ Mr. MacMillanWould the Minister do us the courtesy of telling us what the outcome was?
§ Mr. LeburnI have already informed the hon. Gentleman in exactly the same terms.
§ Mr. John MacLeodWill the Minister really press for this reply to be given more precisely to the county council? This is a very serious matter indeed. It affects the small fishermen and crofter fishermen who have virtually no protection in some of their waters.
§ Mr. LeburnIn short, the answer amounted to an explanation that, in view of the need for economy in Government expenditure, it was not possible at this time to give additional protection.