HC Deb 04 December 1968 vol 774 c1523
31. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an interim statement on his policy on the recommendations in the Hunter Report on Salmon and Trout Fishing published in 1965.

Mr. Buchan

No, Sir. Since the recommendations are closely interlinked, I think it better to wait until my right hon. Friend is able to make a comprehensive statement.

Mr. Dalyell

After three long years, why no action yet?

Mr. Buchan

I heard only the first part of my hon. Friend's question, "After three long years … ". As it is 101 years since the previous legislation was passed, perhaps three years is not quite so long.

Mr. Stodart

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that, three years ago, his right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Willis) said that this matter was being studied urgently, and that two years ago it was being studied very urgently? Would it not be helpful to the Secretary of State if he called back his right hon. Friend to help him?

Mr. Buchan

We are now discussing it extremely urgently.