§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the proposal of the Thames Water Authority to institute a rod licence on the River Thames; what is the estimated annual cost of its proposals for a fishery service; and what advantages would such a service provide over the existing arrangements.
§ Mr. BishopIn common with other water authorities, the authority has submitted to my right hon. Friend for confirmation its proposals to obtain increased revenue without which it considers that it would not be possible to maintain an adequate fisheries programme for the future. It estimates that the cost in 1976 would be £580,000. We have received a large number of representations on a variety of points which will be taken into account under the established statutory arrangements.