§ 37. Mr. Bill Walkerasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what instructions his office has issued to procurators fiscal with regard to prosecutions involving the poaching and the reset of salmon.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe offence of poaching salmon includes either the taking of fish without permission or by unlawful methods. Such unlawful action does not in itself involve stealing and so the offence of reset does not arise. The level of poaching is a matter which I view with grave concern, but I am satisfied that where there is sufficient evidence procurators fiscal take proceedings to prove the charge.
§ Mr. WalkerLike me, my hon. and learned Friend has some fine salmon rivers in his constituency. Does he agree that it is difficult to prosecute those who take salmon from the rivers on a commercial basis? Will my hon. and learned Friend and his officers study this matter carefully to see what can be done about it?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI am aware of the problems that have been occurring. My hon. Friend will be aware that, in Perth, Sheriff Wheatley has said in the clearest terms that serious penalties will be imposed if poaching is established on a commercial basis. There are 873 problems about what will happen when the poached salmon is found in the hands of people running hotels and restaurants. This difficulty must be faced.