§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to prevent the proposed opening by the Fishery Board of the Firth of Clyde, which has hitherto been closed waters, to trawlers, and so preserve the livelihood of the large number of Scottish fishermen whose native fishing grounds will be destroyed if these water are opened up to the trawlers from all parts of England?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Fishery Board for Scotland in the exercise of their statutory powers have made and advertised their intention to apply to me for confirmation of a byelaw permitting trawling in a part of the outer waters of the Firth of Clyde during the summer months. The statutory period during which notice of objection to the proposed byelaw may be lodged with the Board has not yet expired and until all objections have been received and considered, I am unable to come to a decision in the matter.