HC Deb 01 August 1961 vol 645 cc149-50W
64. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that damage caused by drift-net fishing for salmon in Scotland still continues to inflict loss; and if he will now state in detail the steps he and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, have taken, and plan to take in future, to stop this damage.

72. Sir C. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the widespread and growing concern felt at the rapid expansion of drift netting for salmon off the Scottish coast which is causing damage to established salmon fisheries and will affect salmon stocks; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this problem.

Mr. Hendry

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that substantial capital sums are still being expended on fitting out more boats for drift netting for salmon, thereby increasing the threat to breeding stocks; and if, in view of the urgency of the situation, he will now make a statement of policy.

Mr. Maclay

Yes, I am aware that the drift-net fishing for salmon which has recently developed off the Tweed and other parts of the Scottish coast has given rise to concern and is causing considerable damage to existing salmon fisheries, and may endanger salmon stocks. A Bill is therefore being prepared of which the main provisions would be a prohibition of drift-net fishing for salmon which would apply, in the first instance, round the coast of Scotland, including that part of the English coast from the Scottish Border to Holy Island, both inside and outside territorial waters, and a power to extend the prohibition to areas outside territorial waters round England and Wales should this prove necessary. The traditional drift-net fishing for salmon inside territorial waters off England and Wales would be allowed to continue as at present subject to licence from river boards. The proposed prohibition would be reinforced by a ban on landings in Great Britain of salmon caught by drift net except from boats holding river board licences.