§ 7. Mr. Taverneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what 11 representations he has had from the Lincolnshire River Board for increased fishing licence duties.
Mr. VaneMy right hon. Friend has received no representations from the river board, but I understand that it gave notice in the local Press on 22nd June that it intends to seek his approval to certain increases in duty.
§ Mr. TaverneIs the Minister aware that the proposed increases as published in the Press would mean more than trebling the existing licence duties and that this has caused great concern to over 70,000 people who hold licences to fish from the Lincolnshire River Board? Will he, before giving approval, take into account the fact that any such change would make these licence duties the highest in the country, and will he ensure that the amount eventually fixed is not such that the anglers will be subsidising other activities of the river board?
Mr. VaneThe proposals cannot in any case be submitted for approval until the end of this month. Before deciding whether or not to approve them, my right hon. Friend will have to take into account any objections received, which, no doubt, will include the points which the hon. Gentleman has made, and he may consider that it is a case for holding a public inquiry, though this, of course, will have to be decided in due course. The new duties, if they were approved, could not take effect until 1st January next.