§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the number of representations he has received, since assuming office, against the operation of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Scotland) Act, giving a breakdown of these numbers on a regional basis; how many prosecutions have occurred under the workings of the Act on a regional basis; and if Her Majesty's Government has any plans to amend the Act.
§ Mr. YoungerIn the period in question, 25 representations in relation to the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976 have been made as follows:
Central Region … … 21 Tayside Region … … 2 Highland Region … … 2 Only one of these representations related to the operation of the Act itself, the remainder being in respect of proposals submitted under the Act for the Upper Spey catchment area.
As no order has yet been made under the Act, no prosecutions have taken place. The Government are presently reviewing the administrative and legislative structure of salmon and freshwater fisheries and I expect to make an announcement on the matter in due course.