HC Deb 02 March 1976 vol 906 c1231
Mr. Gordon Wilson

I beg to move Amendment No. 32 in page 9, line 29, at end insert—

'Publication of Orders

The Secretary of State shall cause to be published each year a list of prescribed areas which are the subject of protection orders.'

This is a simple amendment which, I hope, will meet with approval from the Government. It suggests that as part of his duty the Secretary of State shall cause to be published each year a list of prescribed areas which are the subject of protection orders. The aim of this amendment is to give some indication to those who fish that they are not fishing in protected waters and to ensure that they know their rights. There is need of an obligation by the Government to publish a list of areas that have been registered and approved as the subject of protection orders so that anglers do not unwittingly fish in the wrong places. It is a simple amendment. I hope that the Government will find it possible to accept it or something similar.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

I am happy to accept this amendment. It will enable the public to see where fishing for freshwater fish is available on reasonable terms and where fishing without permission is illegal. No great expense will be involved in compiling and publishing the list. It may be appropriate to include it in the Department's annual report. Whether it is a good or a bad thing, in view of the increase in the interest in angling matters that the Bill has undoubtedly generated I hope that when the list is published people will read it.

Amendment agreed to.

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