§ Lord Cledwyn of Penrhosasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have received to have the minimum size of bass which may be caught increased to at least 38cm forthwith, in view of its 1352WA commercial importance to British fishermen; and what conclusions they have reached.
Earl FerrersHer Majesty's Government received many representations following the announcement of a proposal to increase the minimum size for bass to 38cm in line with the scientific advice that this would increase catches in the long-term and help to safeguard the stock. We considered very carefully all the views which were put forward and we concluded that an immediate increase to 38cm could have a serious effect on some inshore fishermen. We therefore decided to introduce the new size in two stages in order to allow fishermen time to adapt to the changed circumstances. An order laid before Parliament on 10th April provides for the minimum size for bass to be increased to 32cm from 1st May 1981 and to 38cm from 1st May 1983.