§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce a decision on the fishing rights for the Solway Firth and Border Esk rivers. [45687]
§ Mr. MacdonaldMy right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have carried out a consultation on the management arrangements which should apply to the Border Esk. The responses, together with concerns that have been expressed about the future exercise of fishing rights in the Solway Firth, are being taken into account in the consideration of the provision at clause 100 of the Scotland Bill.