HC Deb 19 June 1974 vol 875 cc467-8
13. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he now hopes to complete his consideration of the Hunter Committee's Report on fishing rights.

Mr. William Ross

I cannot add to my reply of 20th March.—[Vol. 870, c. 1006.]

Mr. Dalyell

Is not the reality in this complex area that it is difficult for a minority Government to do what is necessary for a sport which is at least as important to us as football?

Mr. Ross

I do not think it raises quite the tempers that football does at times. This is a complex subject. Conservative Members will appreciate that they did not get to the point of producing a Bill in their time of government—

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Very nearly.

Mr. Ross

I have not seen that Bill, and nor has the country. I could not give any pledge that there will be any legislation on this in the present Session.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

Does the right hon. Gentleman, with his excellent memory, recall that in 1964 when I was asked this question I said that urgent consideration was being given to it, and that in 1965, Mr. Willis, of blessed memory, when asked a similar question, said that very, very urgent consideration was being given to it? Is this not a classic example showing why we need an Assembly to deal with matters of this kind?

Mr. Ross

The right hon. Gentleman had better ask his hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Hillhead (Mr. Galbraith) who is sitting on his left, and his colleagues in front of him, and see whether they agree with his last remark. He was a member of the last administration. It was so urgent then that nothing was done.