HC Deb 19 November 1969 vol 791 cc1290-1
8. Mr. Dalyell

asked. the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for the stocking and improvement of currently poor fishing waters in Scotland.

Mr. Buchan

This is primarily a matter for owners or lessees of fishing rights, who can obtain guidance from my Department's Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory at Pitlochry.

Mr. Dalyell

Are not considerable enabling powers at the, disposal of any Government? Can consideration be given, for instance, to the way in which the Forestry Commission could help to stock and improve poor waters?

Mr. Buchan

The main point is that we have a good deal of research and advisory resources available at the laboratory and we make them available to a large number of agriculturists and others who sometimes seek our advice in this way.

Mr. Maclennan

Does not my hon. Friend's reply emphasise the extreme importance of coming to a decision about the Hunter Report in view of the fact that many fishing grounds, particularly in the Highlands, are not properly used or stocked?

Mr. Buchan

Yes, Sir.