§ 11. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he had with the Scottish Hydro Board prior to its decision to sell off its fishing rights on Loch Awe.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe chairman informed my right hon. Friend some time ago that the board intended to dispose of these fishings.
§ Mr. DalyellIf it is not the business of electicity producers to manage fishing interests, it is in the public interest to have some publicly-owned fishery rights. Should not the responsibilities then be given to the Forestry Commission, the Highlands and Islands Development Board or some other appropriate body?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNumbers of fishings are held by a number of public bodies. I do not think there is any evidence that this public ownership necessarily brings advantages to owners or anglers. What the board must do, as a matter for its commercial judgment, is to manage its assets in the best interests of consumers, which at the end of the day are reflected in the price of electricity.