§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (l) how many organisations were invited to submit views on the consultation on the review of the present law and administration on salmon and freshwater fisheries; and how many of them were in the categories of salmon fishing and freshwater angling;
(2) when he expects to complete his consultation on the review of the present law and administration in salmon and freshwater fisheries; and if he will make a statement;
(3) how many representations he has received on his consultative document on the review on the present law and administration of freshwater fisheries; from whom they have been received; and what has been the balance of views.
§ Mr. Younger:The Government's intention to review the administration of and legislation on salmon and freshwater fisheries was announced in November 1979. A consultation paper was issued in December 1979 to bodies in Scotland with either a direct or indirect interest in salmon and freshwater fisheries. The review has not been rushed and it has been made quite clear that anyone with an interest in the subject matter could offer comments. The document has received a good deal of interest in fishery and angling circles and has been made freely available to anyone who asked for a copy.
I have so far received 54 written comments from national, regional and district organisations, local clubs and individuals representing a comprehensive range of those concerned with salmon and freshwater fish or related matters.
The review is not yet complete, but it has revealed widely differing views. Some have broadly endorsed the proposals for change though in some cases subject to a number of qualifications—for example, on the number and composition of area boards. Others, notably a number of 363W the freshwater and angling interests, have indicated strong resistance to the concept of both area boards and rod licences.