§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the proposed Alnwick district council bye-law relating to worm digging, which was submitted to him by the council in July 1985; when he expects to announce his decision on the rule; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorTwo local associations of sea anglers have represented that the byelaws will deprive members of an important source of bait, and that the byelaws are repugnant to the public right of fishing. From the evidence produced by the district council, we are satisfied that these byelaws are justified. While the validity of any byelaws is ultimately for determination by the courts, in our opinion the byelaws do not infringe the public right of fishing. Accordingly, we propose to confirm them on 21 February.