§ 2.50 p.m.
VISCOUNT GOSCHENMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Massereene and Ferrard, who unfortunately is sick, I beg to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the extent to which Cymag is used by salmon poachers and of the need for strict control of the sale of this deadly poison.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD CRAIGTON)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware that there have been a number of cases of salmon poaching in Scotland in which the use of cymag has been proved or suspected. The active ingredient of cymag is listed among the more dangerous poisons and its sale is subject to the stricter provisions of the Poisons Rules. Further measures of control would present difficulties because of the widespread sales of relatively small quantities of cymag, for which there is no satisfactory substitute, which have been made yearly to farmers and landowners. In consultation with the Pharmaceutical Society and the main Scottish distributors of cymag, steps have been taken to make the law governing its sale more widely known so as to ensure that the Poisons Rules are strictly observed. The use of cymag for killing salmon is of course illegal under the Salmon Fisheries Acts, and the bailiffs of district boards and proprietors, with the help of the police, do their best, I am sure, to prevent it.
VISCOUNT GOSCHENMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Is it possible to detect fish which have been killed by the use of this particular poison?
§ LORD CRAIGTONYes, my Lords. I am advised that the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory have devised a test and have provided reports for the police and given evidence in some successful prosecutions.