§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made by the salmon sales group and the National Water Council in considering measures to be taken to reduce the illegal taking of salmon; whether he is considering legislation to establish controls over the sale of salmon and the licensing of salmon dealers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith:I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to him of 11 May.—[Vol. 23, c. 239.] I understand that members of the salmon sales group of the National Water Council have now visited Canada to study the arrangements in New Brunswick. Subsequently, the group has held meetings with salmon fishing interests in England and Wales and in Scotland and proposes to hold further consultations at regional level. I shall consider what action is needed once the group has issued its report.