§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his responsibilities for river fisheries, with special reference to anadromous fish.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownMy right hon. Friend's responsibilities for river fisheries, with particular reference to anadromous fish, are those prescribed in the following enactments:
Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1868
Section 9:
On petition from a district board, to vary the close times and regulations respecting the construction and use of cruives, cruive dykes or weirs.
Fishery Boards (Scotland) Act 1882
Section 5(2):
General superintendence of the salmon fisheries of Scotland.
Section 6:
To appoint an inspector of the salmon fisheries of Scotland.
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Protection) (Scotland) Act 1951
Section 9:
To authorise for a scientific purpose, or for the purpose of protecting, improving or developing stocks of fish, the use of explosives, poisons or electrical devices in the taking of fish (both salmon and trout).
Section 10(5):
To authorise persons to exercise the powers of water bailiffs specified in Section 10(1) (relating to both salmon and trout).
Section 15:
For the purpose of protecting and developing stocks of salmon and trout, to conduct inquiries and investigations into questions of practical or scientific importance to salmon and freshwater fisheries: to collect and publish salmon catch statistics.
My right hon. Friend is also responsible under the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976:
Section 1.—To consider proposals for improved access to freshwater fishing and, where he so decides, to make protection orders prohibiting the taking of freshwater fish without legal or written permission.
Section 2.—To appoint wardens from persons nominated in respect of areas covered by protection orders.