asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the chaotic state which arose on the West Coast of Scotland due to the granting of seven-day fishing licences, he will take steps to ensure that all future licences will be limited to five-day fishing which is the traditional method used by people fishing in Scottish waters.

I have no evidence that the conditions of the licence for the present mackerel fishery have resulted in any difficulties in the fishery, which appears so far to have been a generally satisfactory one. I am, however, continuing to keep the fishery under close review. The licence conditions for future fisheries will be determined by the circumstances of the fishery at the time, after such consultation as is necessary with the relevant interests.