§ 2.48 p.m.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the ban on drift net fishing for salmon, due to expire next February, will be renewed until such time as the Hunter Commission's final report has been received and considered.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government will shortly seek Parliamentary approval to the extension of the present prohibition to enable the Hunter Committee's Report to be received and its recommendations considered.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, arising out of that reply, may I 88 ask the Minister whether he is aware that his Answer will give great satisfaction to all parties who are interested in preserving this great national asset, including the fish themselves?
§ LORD HUGHESI thank the noble Lord.