(4.21 p.m.) STATE FOREST LANDS – SHOOTING AND FISHING/ECO-TOURISM LEASES The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (Dr. A. Boolell): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I wish to make a Statement to the House regarding Shooting and Fishing/Eco-Tourism Leases granted by the Ministry Agro- Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. Now, State Forest Lands (Terrains de Chasses) are leased for Shooting and Fishing and Eco-Tourism purposes in accordance with the Shooting and Fishing Leases Act. The grant of the lease does not give the right of ownership of the land, which remains with Government. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that there are presently some malicious posts on social media wherein State Forest lands are allegedly being put on sale to the public. I wish to reassure the House that as per section 5 of the Shooting and Fishing Leases Act, lessees of these lands cannot assign or sublet the whole or any part of their interest in the lease without the prior written consent of the Government. Additionally, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, pursuant to section 11 of the Shooting and Fishing Leases Act, leased State Forest lands remain in the ownership of the Government. Hence, no lessee has the right to put any leased State Forest lands on sale. The Ministry has already reported the matter to the Mauritius Police Force for an investigation. My Ministry will take prompt remedial actions in case of any breach of condition of lease by lessees.