§ 51. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of fishings still in the ownership of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonFive main fishings, and a number of smaller ones.
§ Mr. MackenzieIs the Minister aware that there is growing anxiety in my constituency about the future of these fishings? It is felt that they should be handed over to the Highlands and islands Development Board for the benefit of tourism.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonI know of this matter and I will be very happy to write to the hon. Gentleman about it. But there is a great deal of argument on the other side whether they should be held by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board or by the Highlands and Islands Development Board.
§ Mr. MaclennanIs my hon. Friend having discussions about the matter with the Highlands and Islands Development Board? Does he expect action to be taken soon on the Hunter Report?
§ Dr. Dickson MabonI should not at this stage like to comment on the second part of that supplementary question. On the first part, my hon. Friend knows that the Board recently sold their fishings on the River Shin and we are discussing other matters with them.