asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that, as a result of a rumour that drift-net fishing along the west coast is to be prohibited, there is a grave discontent amongst fishermen there; and if he will give an assurance that there will be no interference with their longestablished rights.

I am not aware of such a rumour or discontent. As I informed the House on 13th February last, I do not consider that drift nets as traditionally used by salmon fishermen off our coasts damage our salmon fisheries in any way.