§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps have been taken to form a consultative body on angling as laid down by the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976; and whether he will now list the names and interests of the members of that body;
(2)whether he will make a statement about the up-to-date effects of trout angling as a result of the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976;
(3)whether he will list the protection orders (a) applied for and (b) granted under the terms of the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownInvitations have been issued for the purpose of setting up a consultative body as provided for in the Act and I hope to make an announcement shortly. Considerable interest has been shown by riparian proprietors and angling clubs in the opportunities offered by the Act for improved access and protection and 20 general inquiries have been received. As yet, no detailed proposals in terms of Section 1 of the Act have been submitted and no protection orders have been made. I understand, however, that the preparation of proposals in respect of several of Scotland's major river systems is in hand.