HC Deb 23 February 1972 vol 831 cc1270-1
19. Mr. Ian Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his intention to introduce legislation based on the recommendations in the White Paper, Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Yes. But I have nothing to add at this stage to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. Wolrige-Gordon) and to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell), on 1st December, 1971.—[Vol. 827, c. 434–5.]

Mr. Campbell

Does the Minister appreciate that fishing is the greatest participation sport in Scotland?

Sir G. Nabarro

I thought it was drinking.

Mr. Campbell

I note what my hon. Friend the Member for Scotstoun (Mr. Small) said just now about drinking. I hope that when the Minister considers legislation he will bear in mind the effect this may have on the rod fisherman in Scotland who is very worried about some of the recommendations in the White Paper.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Both sports involve liquid. I can certainly assure the hon. Member for Dunbartonshire, West (Mr. Ian Campbell) that one of the purposes of the White Paper is to make more fishing available to anglers in Scotland and it is very encouraging so far, in the consultations we have had with the angling interests in Scotland, that, apart from certain specific criticism, there has been a general welcome for what is proposed.

Mr. Galbraith

Will my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary make sure that adequate time is granted to the various interests before legislation is prepared?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

We have already had consultations with most of the representatives of the fishing industry and angling interests who are affected. We hope to complete these consultations fairly soon and will take fully into account everything that is said.

Mr. Dalyell

In the meantime, what is the Government's thinking on the stocking of poor waters?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

This matter is covered in the report. Giving more protection is one of the matters on which legislation will be needed. This is one of the most important ways of making more fishing available for anglers in Scotland.