§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has reached a decision on the National River's Authority's Anglian Coast (Limitation of Net Licences) Order 1994. [41882]
§ Mr. BaldryMy hon. Friend has previously drawn my attention to the views expressed by his constituents on this issue. I am now pleased to tell him that I have received the inspector's report on the public inquiry into this order. It recommends that the order be confirmed, provided that a number of amendments are made. The most significant amendment proposed by the inspector is that licences for this fishery should not be limited to those dependent on fishing for their livelihood. I have accepted these recommendations, and, provided the NRA consents to the amendments, intend to confirm the order on this basis. All existing licence holders will therefore continue to be eligible to hold licences. No new licences will be issued, however, and the fishery will gradually be phased out.