§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has reappointed the consultative committee on freshwater fisheries to advise him on proposals for protection orders under the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976.
§ Mr. YoungerI am pleased to say that Mr. I. A. Duncan Millar, whom I have asked to serve as chairman, and the following members have accepted my invitation to serve on the reconstituted consultative committee:
- Mr. John Reid
- Mr. A. E. Campbell
- Mr. W. Brown
- Mr. K. Burns
- Mr. T. E. Mathie
- Mr. A. V. Tokely
- Mr. I. A. Lyall
- Mr. J. R. Little
The appointments will be for a three-year period from 24 June 1981. In order to keep the committee as small as possible, I have decided not to continue the appointment of panels of regional members.
In reappointing the committee, I am conscious that the 1976 Act has been the subject of some criticism, both because of the principle of protection for freshwater fishings which it introduced and because its procedures have resulted in relatively slow progress in the making of protection orders. This in large part reflects the Act's 459W attempt to hold a balance between those who want protection for their fishings and those who want access to those fishings.
A review of the administration of the Act has been taking place as part of the current wider review of salmon and freshwater fisheries. While I do not rule out the possibility of legislative changes in the future, the first priority is to ensure that the procedures under the present Act work more smoothly and speedily. To this end I have already indicated that I am prepared to consider, consistent with their practicable administration, applications for protection orders in respect of smaller areas than whole river catchment areas or large parts of such catchments.
I have also asked the chairman to review the committee's present procedures under the Act as soon as possible with the smaller committee which I have appointed in order to develop a more flexible approach to proposals, which would afford both proposers and potential objectors an informal opportunity to resolve differences at an earlier stage and so shorten the time necessary for reaching a decision. I am also asking the committee to consider the extent to which those seeking protection orders are required to advertise their proposals. The committee will also consider the desirability of preparing general guidance for the benefit of potential applicants.