§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what legislative provisions govern the definition of the mouth of a river in Northern Ireland; and if he will bring forward proposals for the amendment of the law.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerSection 16 of the Fisheries Act4, (Northern Ireland) 1966 empowers the Department of Agriculture to define, by order, the mouth of any river in Northern Ireland, other than a river in the Foyle area. Section 13 of the Foyle Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1952 similarly empowers the Foyle Fisheries Commission to define, by regulations, the mouth of any river within the Foyle area. There are no plans at present to amend these provisions. The mouths of all the important salmon rivers are defined in subordinate legislation and the need for redefinition is kept under review. I understand that the redefining of the mouth of the River Roe is currently being considered by the Foyle Fisheries Commission.