§ 18. Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to control the use of nylon monophilament by coastal netsmen.
§ Mr. PriorFishing by coastal netsmen is already strictly regulated, but I am considering whether any further measures are necessary.
§ Mr. MorrisonI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that there is evidence that a high proportion of fish which escape from this type of netting are severely damaged, and will he consider taking action under the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act, 1967?
§ Mr. PriorWe are receiving reports of damage to fish as a result of this net, and we are seeing whether we can do something about it. Fish outside 12 miles 1025 are covered by the International Convention, but within 12 miles it is within our jurisdiction to do what we think is right.