§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations were received concerning the proposed abolition of a coarse fishing close season; what were the organisations and the numbers of individuals who were for and against the proposed change; and what reactions have been registered since the changes were made.
Lord LucasIn December 1994 the National Rivers Authority (NRA) applied for confirmation of new by-laws which would have introduced a uniform close season for fishing coarse fish on all rivers, streams and canals in England and Wales but dispensed with it on all lakes, reservoirs and ponds. The by-laws were intended to replace the widely varying rules which were then in place, under which it was possible to fish for coarse fish all of the year round in some waters in certain parts of the country but not in others.
The legislation under which the by-laws were made requires that notice of new by-laws be published and time allowed for the submission of objections to Ministers. It does not provide for the submission of expressions of support. Following publication 253 objections were received (74 from organisations and 179 from individuals). Of these, the majority (43 from organisations and 157 from individuals) expressed opposition to the proposal to dispense with the close season on lakes, reservoirs and ponds. A significant minority of objectors (28 organisations and 13 individuals) were opposed to the imposition of a close season on those canals where it had previously been dispensed with. Some of the objectors in this latter category also expressed support for the NRA's proposal to dispense with the close season on lakes, reservoirs and ponds. A number of the objections addressed other aspects of the NRA's proposals.
Although the statutory procedures provide only for the submission of objections, 10 letters supporting the NRA's proposals were received during the period allowed for objections.
The by-laws were subsequently confirmed subject to certain modifications on 13 March 1995. As modified they introduced a uniform close season from 15 March to 15 June on all rivers and streams; dispensed with the close season on all lakes, ponds and reservoirs except in the Norfolk Broads and on certain Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); and maintained the status quo for canals. Since the confirmation of the by-laws was announced, we have received representations from two organisations (one national and one local) which are opposed to the changes and about 12 letters from Members of Parliament and individuals expressing disquiet about various aspects of the new arrangements. We have also been in correspondence with a small number of owners and occupiers of fisheries in SSSIs who are seeking a review of the decision to retain the close season on their waters.