§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many drift netting licences for salmon fishing were issued in each of the regions during each of the past 10 years; if any policy changes are planned in the issuing of licences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithDrift netting licences for salmon fishing are issued by water authorities and the information requested by the right hon. Member is not held centrally. I shall write to him when it is available to me. Future policy on licensing is currently being considered in the context of the review of inland and coastal fisheries in England and Wales, on which I have nothing to add at present to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to the right hon. Member on 11 April.—[Vol. 40, c.361–62.]