§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reconsider his timetable for 72W the increase in the minimum size of bass so that the new proposed limit of 38 cm shall be applicable from 1 May 1982.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNo. The decision to increase the minimum size for bass to 32 cm from 1 May this year and to 38 cm from 1 May 1983 was taken after consultation with the interested parties and after very careful consideration of all the relevant factors. Because of the serious economic implications for certain fishermen I consider that a phasing of the increase over two years is necessary to allow them time to adapt to the changed circumstances.