§ 48. Sir C. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the practice of taking salmon by drift net is on the increase, that drift net fishers observe no weekly close time, and that this year they started fishing early in January during the annual close time fixed by Statute for the operation of salmon fisheries; and whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit drift net fishing in sea lochs or in the sea up to the limit of territorial waters.
§ Mr. MaclayThe evidence available indicates an increase in drift net fishing for salmon near the mouth of the Tweed, but little fishing off other parts of the coast, where relatively few salmon have been taken. Drift net fishing for salmon is already prohibited within estuarial limits, which in the case of the Tweed extend beyond the three mile limit, and in this area, enforcement of the law, including the permitted methods of fishing and the weekly and annual close times, is a matter for the River Tweed Commissioners. In the circumstances it is not clear that the legislation proposed is necessary, but I shall continue to keep a close watch on the situation.
§ 50. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet 110W considered the letter sent to him by the Aberdeen Harbour Board, as members of the Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland and as a body represented on the Dee District Fishery Board, on the subject of drift net fishing for salmon; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. MaclayThe letter was received on 23rd March and is receiving consideration, but no reply has yet been sent.