HC Deb 21 January 1970 vol 794 cc508-9
36. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken in the last month to implement the recommendations of the Hunter Committee Report on Fishing.

Mr. Buchan

My right hon. Friend has continued his consideration of the committee's proposals and of the observations on them which have been submitted to him.

Mr. Dalyell

Is my hon. Friend aware that some of us who last year were inclined to be critical of these matters are confident that the Government are grappling with these complex problems and look forward to the results with interest?

Mr. Buchan

I feel almost like St. Paul at Damascus. I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his remarks.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will have occasioned no surprise since it is over four years since the report was put before the Government and, so far, they have done nothing? Has he anything to say in reply to the points made by me in the debate a month ago on the two pilot projects recommended by the Hunter Committee?

Mr. Buchan

I have made it clear that we treat the Hunter Report and the methods of handling it as a unity. I have made two things clear already. The first is that I have no intention of proceeding with piecemeal legislation. Second, the main problem is how to make public access available easily to the normal, ordinary angler of Scotland.