§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the Government's policy towards the
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Numbers of young people under 18 years of age registered as unemployed in Scotland Year January April July October Average 1975 Not available 21,989 1976 18,394 30,491 1977 24,411 37,960 1978 26,949 36,506 19,726 proposals in the Salmon Fisheries (Protection) (Scotland) Bill [Lords] reflect the views expressed in any consultations he has conducted with fishermen who may be affected by the Bill.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Salmon Fisheries (Protection) (Scotland) Bill is a Private Member's measure and consultation with particular interests about the Bill's provisions is a matter for the proposers. Nevertheless, the Bill's main purpose—to ban the use of gill nets, however set, for the taking of salmon in Scottish waters—is consistent with a proposal made in the Government's discussion document issued in December 1979. The discussion document was widely published and has been the subject of extensive consultation. The need to tighten the law on the use of gill nets for catching salmon attracted considerable support from a range of salmon interests.