asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will bring forward proposals following the Hunter Committee Report on Scottish Salmon and Trout Fisheries.

My right hon. Friend is awaiting the observations of many of the organisations he invited to comment and he will be studying the Report further once these observations have been received.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the extreme concern about these proposals among all sections of the industry, and particularly among those employed in it? Would he, therefore, bear in mind that a decision about the proposals should not be delayed if uncertainty is to be avoided?

I am aware of the concern, but I am also aware of the importance of the decision, and I should have thought that the importance of the decision warranted the matter being given proper and not hurried consideration.