HC Deb 26 May 1971 vol 818 cc347-8
2. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Hunter Report on Fishing Rights.

The Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs and Agriculture, Scottish Office (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)

My right hon. Friend is preparing proposals.

Mr. Dalyell

Will the angling community have an official Governmental view before the Summer Recess?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

When proposals have been prepared they will be announced in the proper way.

Mr. Gray

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great potential which exists in the Highlands of Scotland from the point of view of trout fishing in hill lochs? Will he bear in mind that restocking, which is essential, will not take place unless some assurance of legal protection is given?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

My hon. Friend raises an important point, of which we are aware. I assure him that it will be taken into account in our consideration of this matter.

Mr. Maclennan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Opposition will look with a jaundiced eye on proposals which protect only trout-fishing rights and which do not take into account the need to open up fishing in Scotland to the vast majority of the population?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

It ill becomes the hon. Gentleman to put it in that way, for the Labour Party took five years simply to study the proposals and then did not announce a decision. We shall certainly do much better than that.

Mr. Brewis

Is the much-increased catch by drift netting off the north-east coast of England likely to affect stocks in Scottish rivers?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

This is a matter which we shall be considering.