§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, I beg to ask the third question in my name.
§ The question was as follows:
§ [To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the urgent necessity of increasing the national food supply by every available means, they will consider the desirability of issuing an Order under the Defence Regulations authorising the suspension of existing restrictions upon the netting of salmon in non-tidal waters and of trout of more than a specified weight.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE DUKE OF NORFOLK)My Lords, this question has been considered by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries from time to time since the war began. As my noble friend is no doubt aware, the existing restrictions on the netting of salmon and trout and more particularly as they apply to non-tidal waters, are imposed for the purpose of preserving the breeding stock of these fish. Any suspension of those restrictions would undoubtedly be attended with grave risk of injury to that stock, whilst the addition to the food supply likely to result would amount to a relatively inconsiderable quantity only. My right honourable friend does not consider that the general situation at the present time is such as to justify any drastic alteration of existing regulations.
§ House adjourned.