§ Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the fact that the law relating to the extraction of water from rivers makes it impossible for fish farmers to rely upon a steady and sufficient supply of water unless they are classed as agricultural undertakings rather than industrial, what steps he will take to reform the law; and whether he will make a statement.
233W
§ Mr. Denis HowellI have been asked to reply.
Most fish farmers should have a sufficient supply of water, since they are afforded rights to abstract it under the Water Resources Act 1963. They are exempt from licensing where fish is produced for food, and they can apply for licences where fish is bred for restocking purposes.
I therefore see no reason for amending the law.