§ 28 and 29. Mr. Henigasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, (1) what action he proposes to take to safeguard fishing rights in the Lune Estuary;
§ (2) what representations he has received on behalf of Mr. P. Smith of Sunderland Point about fishing rights in the Lune Estuary; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. HoyI am not aware that fishing rights in the Lune are in need of any special protection. We have had no representations on behalf of Mr. P. Smith other than those from my hon. Friend. I have explained in reply that there is nothing I can do to help.
§ Mr. HenigIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, on instructions from an oil company, somebody has been digging up the bed of the River Lune? The result of this is that Mr. Smith's fishing rights 429 have been interfered with and his livelihood endangered. Would the hon. Gentleman send down one of his officials to see how much damage has been done, to talk to Mr. Smith and see whether there is any way in which the Department can help?
§ Mr. HoyMy hon. Friend may be interested to know that my fishery officers investigated on the spot when the complaint was first made in July, and again in November. My officials discussed it with the other Departments concerned and with the Lancashire River Authority. My Department was also consulted by the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Power, which issued the necessary statutory consents. On top of all that, a public inquiry was held.