Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether the Commissioners of Woods and Forests 1221W would be prepared to make arrangements for the issue of licences to fishermen to fish for salmon off the East Coast of Scotland upon the expiry of the existing leases of salmon fishing rights, in the event of a sufficient number of fishermen coming forward in any district to make application for such licences?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe experience of the Commissioners of Woods is that there is no demand for licences for salmon fishing in the sea oft the coast of Scotland, and that the Crown fishings are more suitable for leasing in the ordinary way. The licensing system was consequently given up some years ago after having a fair trial. If, however, it could be shown that on the East Coast of Fifeshire, in which the hon. Member is particularly interested, or in any other locality a sufficient number of fishermen are prepared to take licences, the Commissioners would be willing to consider the question afresh on expiration of the existing Crown leases. The Crown leases of fishings South of Aberdeen run out in the year 1914 and three following years.