§ 73. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what experiments are being carried out in breeding fish and lobsters; and what study he is making of alternatives to the present orders relating to berried lobsters.
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§ Mr. M. NobleExperiments in the breeding and rearing of fish including herring, plaice and oysters but not lobsters are being carried out by scientists of the fisheries department and the Scottish Marine Biological Association. The order relating to berried lobsters is at present being reviewed in its application to Scotland.
§ 74. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest information about stocks of lobsters around the coasts of Scotland and", in particular, around Orkney and Shetland.
§ Mr. M. NobleLandings of lobsters in most districts in Scotland including Orkney and Shetland have improved in recent years and overall landings in 1961 reached a record total of just over £500,000 in value. I understand there is no evidence of over-fishing, but scientists in my Department are keeping the position under review.