HC Deb 20 July 1961 vol 644 cc1452-3
23. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now state what steps he is taking to protect salmon from drift-net fishing in the sea.

Mr. Soames

This question remains under urgent examination by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself.

Mr. Farr

In view of the fact that this year alone, up to the end of last week, 28,000 salmon have been caught in this manner, will my right hon. Friend agree that the time has come to take early action to prohibit the landing and sale in this country of salmon caught in or near our territorial waters during the annual close season?

Mr. Soames

The Government fully realise the need to make an urgent declaration of policy on this matter, but there are many difficulties, including the fact that the law and practice in relation to salmon fishing differ widely in England and Scotland. These complicated matters have first to be resolved.

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