§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the steps he has taken, since February 1974, to protect and conserve salmon stocks in United Kingdom waters and rivers, together with an assessment of the effect of each of these measures.
§ Mr. BishopComprehensive legislation to provide an adequate framework for conservation of salmon stocks already existed in 1974. Within the six miles limit, responsibility for enforcing it in England and Wales rests with water authorities. My right hon. Friend, the Minister, assists in the introduction of local legislation to extend their powers whenever this is justified. He also sponsors research, with special attention being given to salmonid work—a notable example being that undertaken off the North-East Coast.
In the international sphere, the Government have made appropriate representations about illegal salmon fishing, and participate in discussions relating the salmon conservation in the EEC context.
These measures are designed to safeguard our stocks on a continuing basis and broadly speaking achieve their purpose.
415WI have made arrangements to meet a number of representatives of the water authorities soon to discuss what more may be done regarding enforcement under the existing legislation.