§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider the introduction of legislation to control the use of nylon monofilament gill nets in inshore waters.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI know of the concern of anglers and some commercial fishermen regarding the use of nylon monofilament gill nets in inshore waters, although of course such use is an important feature of the activities and livelihood of other commercial fishermen. When last July, I issued the consultation paper on the review of inland and coastal fisheries in England and402W Wales, I invited comments on the use of these nets. These comments are now under consideration. But no scientific evidence has so far been produced that they are especially harmful to fish.
In March this year, I instructed scientists in the Department to carry out a further study of this method of fishing. A preliminary report is expected in July. As soon as I receive the report, I will consider what action may be appropriate.