§ 53. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet received any representations from the West Wales River Board regarding the issuing of further licences for coracle fishermen on the River Teifi.
§ Mr. ChampionNo, Sir; but I understand that the river board is examining the question.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs my hon. Friend aware that the river board has been examining the question for some weeks now, that a number of the coracle fishermen are well over 70 years of age, and that if the examination of this matter continues long enough there will be no coracle fishermen left?
§ Mr. ChampionThe byelaws in question are the responsibility of the authority and we must be prepared to receive representations from it as and when it completes its examination.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs my hon. Friend prepared to draw to the attention of the river board the fact that time is passing and that it would be a good thing to have an answer as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ChampionI imagine that the river board is conscious of the pressure which the hon. Member and other people are bringing about the matter.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettCan the hon. Gentleman say how many men there still are who are qualified for this tricky sport?
§ Mr. ChampionI have not got the figures of the number of men actually involved.