SALMON AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES IN SCOTLAND (Hansard, 22 November 1979)

§ The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (The Earl of Mansfield)

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has decided to undertake consultations with the representative interests concerned to review the existing administration of and legislation relating to salmon and freshwater fisheries in Scotland. These consultations will broadly cover the matters reported on by the Hunter Committee in their report of 1965 and dealt with in the White Paper entitled,Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries in Scotland, issued by the then Government in 1971. The consultations will also review the operation of the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976 323WA and consider whether there is a need for amendment of that legislation.

The Secretary of State has meantime considered the proposals submitted under the 1976 Act for the making of a protection order for the Rivers Tweed and Eye which were the subject of a public inquiry in June of this year. He has accepted the conclusion of the Reporter that an order should be made, extending for a limited period of three years. He has also accepted the Reporter's conclusion that a liaison committee representative of all 324WA parties affected by the order should be set up to monitor its operation. Although the operation of the 1976 Act will be included in the proposed review of legislation on salmon and freshwater fisheries as a whole, proposals submitted for the making of protection orders in relation to the catchment areas of other rivers will continue meantime to be considered under the Act.

House adjourned at one minute past five o'clock.