§ 59. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board are arranging to sell fishing rights on Scottish rivers affected by their operations; and, in view of the benefits to local angling clubs and the tourist industry, if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Board to retain those fishing rights for the benefit of the community.
§ Mr. WillisIn the first instance my right hon. Friend has asked the Board to defer disposing of these fishing rights until he has completed his consideration of the Report of the Hunter Committee on Salmon and Trout Fishing in Scotland and he has every hope that it will agree to do so.
§ Mr. MackenzieI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he bear in mind the great importance of this matter, especially to the Highlands, and remember that when the Highlands and Islands Development Board was set up one of its specific purposes was to encourage tourism?
§ Mr. WillisIt is because we realise the importance of this that my right hon. Friend has written to the Hydro-Electric Board.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication when his right hon. Friend expects to have completed his consideration of the Hunter Report?
§ Mr. WillisOnce again, that is a rather different question.