§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to introduce measures to conserve the stock of eels in Scottish lochs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThere are no plans to introduce measures to conserve the stocks of eels in Scottish waters. Eels in Scottish inland waters are classified as fresh water fish and may be netted or trapped by the proprietor or occupier of the fishing right.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to how many companies are registered for eel fishing in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThis information is not collected by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. No special licence is required to fish for eels in Scottish inland waters. Accordingly, if the company concerned is the proprietor or occupier of the fishing right there is nothing to prevent it from exercising its lawful right.