§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the threat to stocks of sea bass in British waters; what consideration he has given to the introduction of conservation measures, in particular the control of the use of nylon monofilament nets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerOver the years a number of representations have been received in my Department from both the angling and commercial fishery interests about the management of the bass fishery. As a result, scientists from my Department have carried out investigations into the state of the bass fishery. An interim report was placed in the House in March 1983, and I hope to be able to present a final report to the House in the spring of this year.
I hope also to be able to present, at the same time, a report on the use of gill nets, including monofilament gill nets. I shall then consider any recommendations resulting from these reports and, in consultation with the fishery interests, decide whether any further conservation measures are required.