§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consult the Yorkshire water authority about the extent of salmon poaching in the estuary and the river Esk in Yorkshire with a view to saving the river Esk as a salmon river; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorNo. Under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 the Yorkshire water authority itself is responsible for dealing with the illegal taking of salmon on the river Esk in Yorkshire and for the management of the salmon stocks in that river. However, if the authority wishes to discuss the issue with the Ministry, we would be happy to do so.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ascertain from his field officers and the Yorkshire water authority if any spawning stock of salmon have gained access to the river Esk during this last year; and what is to be the future operation of the salmon hatchery.
§ Mr. MacGregorYes. I shall write to the right hon Member when I receive the information.