§ 27. Sir Hector Monroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the probable increase in salmon entering British rivers following his announcement on drift netting off the English coast.
§ Mr. GummerThe measures which I announced on 7 November will tighten the rules under which the English north-east coast salmon drift net fishery operates. They should produce a significant reduction in the catch of that fishery. Because various natural causes influence the level from season to season, I cannot give a specific forecast of the extent of the increase in salmon entering British rivers.
§ Sir Hector MonroDoes my right hon. Friend accept that the resolution of the problem of drift netting off the north-east coast of England is crucial to the survival of salmon in the United Kingdom? Will he watch the matter closely and take further action if there are no significant improvements in salmon stocks in Scotland?
§ Mr. GummerI undertake to do that, but I remind my hon. Friend that the arrangements which we have made this year will restrict fishing there, in that there will be no weekend fishing, no night fishing, and licences will not be transferable. Major steps have been taken, but we shall continue to examine the matter.