HL Deb 04 November 1969 vol 305 cc228-9

2.38 p.m.

LORD BOOTHBY

My 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 any decision has yet been reached with regard to the banning of drift-net fishing for salmon in Scotland.]

THE LORD ADVOCATE (LORD WILSON OF LANGSIDE)

My Lords, an Order, approved by this House on February 11, 1969, extended until February 15, 1971, the ban on drift-net fishing for salmon off the coast of Scotland and the Tweed. This is a temporary measure. No final decision can be taken on the drift netting question until my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has completed his consideration of the recommendations of the Hunter Committee.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, in view of the fact that the Hunter Committee reported in 1965, does not the noble Lord think that the Secretary of State has had time enough to consider this question? And as, meantime, English fishermen are allowed to drift net for salmon quite freely and make a lot of money out of it while the ban remains on in Scotland, does he not think that the decision of the Scottish Office in this matter should now be expedited?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

My Lords, with regard to the first part of the noble Lord's supplementary question, as he is well aware, the Committee recommended many radical changes in the law, some of them involving complex legal, technical and financial problems; and consultations with the principal organisations that would be affected by the recommendations have revealed wide differences of opinion which my right honourable friend is trying to resolve. In addition, practical alternatives to some of the Committee's proposals are being considered. Accordingly more time is required.

With regard to the second part of the noble Lord's question, the reason for the difference in practice as between England and Scotland is that the drift netting off the Scottish coast in 1961 and 1962 which led up to the ban was a new development which threatened to grow rapidly into a considerable additional exploitation of stocks over and above the exploitation by the traditional Scottish method, which is by fixed engines. Drift netting is the traditional method of fishing for salmon in the sea off the coast of England where, with a few exceptions, fixed engines are banned.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, if there is to be assimilation of behaviour in the two countries, would it not be better to ban drift netting everywhere, rather than remove the ban in Scotland?

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, before the noble Lord replies, may I ask whether, in view of the fact that the Hunter Committee reported so long ago, we may expect a decision before 1971?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

My Lords, I have noted the first question and the second question.