§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the application by the Rescobie Loch Development Association for a protection order for Rescobie loch was not forwarded to the appropriate 271W consultative committee; and who is responsible for taking these decisions.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThe application was not considered acceptable for consideration for the making of a protection order under the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976 as it did not cover a substantial area such as a major river system. It was, therefore, not appropriate to refer it to the consultative committee. I have, however, suggested to the association that I would be ready to consider proposals covering a wider area.