HC Deb 23 May 1979 vol 967 cc1033-4
9. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the public inquiry into the Tweed and Eye orders on angling; and if he will make a statement on his proposed time-table for action.

Mr. Younger

The public inquiry to which my predecessor referred these proposals will be held on Monday 25 June at Kelso, and I would expect to receive the report within three months or so thereafter. In the meantime, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment.

Mr. Dalyell

Does the Minister appreciate that the current legislation on angling is not exactly standing the test of time?

Mr. Younger

The hon. Gentleman and I have a joint interest in this matter. There have been some attempts over the years to change the law on angling. This is how the law stands at present. We must see how it works.

Mr. John MacKay

Does my right hon. Friend agree that angling clubs throughout the country need protection from the army of worm fishermen who descend on waters at weekends and holidays and do great damage to the fish stocks, which other anglers wish to fish by fair, fly methods?

Mr. Younger

Yes, my hon. Friend is right. Access to fisheries is inseparable from their proper management. The Act seeks to do that. I hope that it will be successful in improving matters.

Mr. David Steel

Although the Minister cannot forecast the outcome of the inquiry, will he give an assurance that he will handle the matter speedily? Angling clubs in the border areas are irritated at the delays. Will the Minister give more weight to the views of those angling clubs which have contributed to the management of the rivers in the Tweed basin than to those of the angling clubs which have contributed nothing except organising bus raiding parties from West Lothian, Stirlingshire and other places?

Mr. Younger

I am sure that the reporter will take those facts into account at the inquiry. I shall not allow any undue delay in making a decision in due course.

Mr. Canavan

When he makes a decision, will the Secretary of State try not to be too influenced by the fact that the applicants for the protection order include some of the biggest Tory landowners in Scotland such as Lord Home, the former Tory Prime Minister, the Duke of Buccleuch, the former Tory Member of Parliament for Edinburgh, North, and the family of the present hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Ancram)?

Mr. Younger

In these matters, I treat all applicants, whatever their background, on exactly equal terms.