§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce any form of area board structure for salmon fishing rivers in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerThe question of creating and financing area boards with responsibilities for both salmon and trout has been central to the Government's current review of the administration of and legislation on salmon and freshwater fisheries. Some Scottish salmon interests have now put forward alternative proposals for legislation which would be focused more directly on strengthening the existing structure of voluntary district salmon fishery boards. Whilst the review is not complete, it would clearly be preferable if any new legislation were on the basis of broad agreement.