17. Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he intends to take following the publication recently of the report on the Foyle Fisheries.
§ Mr. MoyleThe report was made to the Foyle Fisheries Commission, not to Ministers. I understand that the Commission has requested the views of the Foyle Area Advisory Council and other interested parties, and when these have been received it will make proposals for 1533 the future management of the Foyle Fisheries. If required these will be discussed between the Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Dublin and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and any necessary action will be taken.
Mr. RossI thank the Minister for that Answer. Is he aware that this report confirms allegations by anglers over a long period about overnetting on the Foyle system? Will the Minister undertake to ask the Foyle Fisheries Commission to have the widest possible consultation with all interests in the Foyle area about both rod and net fishing and water rights, and that the farming interests will be included in those consultations? This is a very big problem for the community at large.
§ Mr. MoyleI agree that it is a big problem for the community at large. The inquiry was set up for the reasons the hon. Member stated, and I can give the undertaking that there will be the widest possible consultations with all the local interests before action is taken.