HC Deb 18 July 1938 vol 338 cc1796-7
42. Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the petition signed by the owners of fishing rights on the River Caldew against the extension of the Eden Fishery Board's control to the River Caldew; and whether he will grant compensation to the present owners?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am proposing to arrange for a public local inquiry to be held into the matter, and a decision regarding the objections cannot be reached until the report of the inquiry has reached me. With regard to the second part of the question, the proposal is merely to extend the area of jurisdiction of the Fishery Board, and none of the present owners of fishing rights on the River Caldew will be dispossessed of those rights by virtue of the Order. The payment of compensation, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. Roberts

Am I not right in thinking that if the extension does take place the present owners of fishing rights will be allowed to fish only on payment of a fee for a licence, which does, in effect, mean the confiscation of their fishing rights?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir, I am informed that the present Order does not dispossess any present owner of fishing rights in his property.