§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will cancel the salmon netting licences of those convicted of netting salmon illegally in Northern Ireland waters; and, where the offences were committed by foreign citizens, if he will now make the cancelled licence available to a United Kingdom citizen.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe forfeiture of salmon drift net fishing licences held by persons convicted of fishery offences is a matter for the courts.
The question of the reallocation of licences in such cases is the responsibility of the Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland and the Foyle Fisheries Commission operating in their respective areas.
§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether the nets recently confiscated from vessels fishing illegally for salmon off the north coast of Northern Ireland were in all respects within the legal definitions laid down; and, if not, in what way they fell short of the definitions;
(2) what would be the cost of the nets which were recently confiscated from vessels fishing illegally for salmon off the north coast of Northern Ireland assuming that they were to be purchased new in 1981;
(3) whether the nets recently seized from vessels fishing illegally for salmon off the north coast of Northern Ireland were (a) destroyed, (b) sold back to the persons from whom they were confiscated or (c) otherwise disposed of; and, if sold, what was the price received.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerI shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.