Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the measures taken to prevent the poaching of salmon in the Foyle Fisheries Commission area during the 1978 season; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ConcannonI am in general satisfied with the measures taken to prevent salmon poaching in the Foyle area in 1978 although I shall never be wholly satisfied until poaching has been eliminated.
The Foyle fisheries commission successfully prosecuted in the whole of its area in 1978, 90 persons for 267 illegal fishing offences, 80 cases against 43 persons are still outstanding. Furthermore 40 boats, six outboard engines, 439 nets, 43 rods, 98 salmon and one motor vehicle were seized.