§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Irish Government about the effect of illegal drift netting on United Kingdom salmon stocks, following the publication of the report of the Irish Government's salmon review group which was presented to the Minister for the Marine in November 1987.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 16 June 1988]: I have seen with interest the report of the Irish Government's salmon review group. No doubt the Irish Government are considering their response to the various recommendations contained in the report and it is, of course, entirely a matter for that Government to regulate salmon fishing in their waters. United Kingdom Fisheries Departments do monitor the effects of the Irish salmon fishery and there is an exchange of scientific information. I shall raise the issues considered in the report with the Irish Minister when we next meet.