§ 45. Sir Hector Monroasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many prosecutions for poaching in Scottish rivers were successful in 1983 and 1984, respectively.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandIn 1983, 530 persons were proceeded against for salmon and freshwater fisheries offences. The charges were proved against 448 persons. The corresponding provisional figures for 1984 are 532 and 461.
§ Sir Hector MonroDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that, as poaching is rife in Scotland, those figures are disappointing? Will he assure the House that the legislation forecast in the Queen's Speech will enable him to bring many more successful prosecutions, and to stamp out this offensive attitude of poachers?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI do not know whether the figures could have been improved, given the existing offences. As my hon. Friend appreciates, provision is to be made for updating and strenghtening anti-poaching measures in legislation to be introduced. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is encouraged that such a warm welcome is to be given to that. There is certainly a need for a further extension of offences.
§ Mr. KennedyWill the Solicitor-General remind the Secretary of State that, as well as pursuing prosecutions for poaching, some of us in the highlands would like the Government to pursue a course whereby more of the income from salmon fishing generally went to the locals?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThat is not a matter for me. I share the hon. Gentleman's anxiety about salmon poaching in his constituency. It is no longer the old-fashioned business of one fish being taken for the pot. A commercial element is now involved, and if it can be stamped out under existing legislation or legislation to be introduced, he, too, would welcome it.