§ THE EARL OF MINTOIn consequence of a paragraph I have seen in the newspapers, I beg to ask the noble Marquess 494 at the head of the Government whether he is correctly reported as saying that there is no intention on the part of the Government to proceed with the salmon fisheries legislation; and whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce any such measure this Session?
THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANI may say that I was as much surprised as the noble Lord upon reading the paragraph in question. I should like to correct an idea which seems to be entertained by some people, that there is at this moment any Bill before Parliament dealing with this question. There is no Bill at all on the subject at the present time before Parliament. As I stated to your Lordships last year in laying a Bill on the Table, I did so with the sole purpose of obtaining any criticisms which those interested in the matter might think fit to make, and I cannot say that I was disappointed in the result. With regard to the question of the noble Lord, I can only say that I have given no authority of any sort or kind for the statement appearing in the newspapers, nor, so far as I can learn, is that statement founded upon any letter written by anyone in authority. With regard to the latter part of the question, in the present state of business in the other House of Parliament, it is impossible for me to give any distinct statement as to whether legislation on this subject is likely to be introduced in the course of the present Session.