§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to amend the Salmon and Fresh Water Fisheries Act 1923 to include the use of harpoon gun as a prohibited method of fishing.
§ Mr. BishopThe law relating to salmon and freshwater fisheries was amended in 1972 and subsequently consolidated in the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Section 1 of that Act prohibits, as methods of fishing for the fish in question, first, the use of, inter alia, a firearm within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1968, or a spear or other like instrument; and, secondly, throwing or discharging368W any stone or other missile. While the interpretation of the law is of course a matter for the courts, I am advised that the use of a harpoon gun would be contrary to these provisions.