§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number and value of the salmon and grilse caught by the commercial fishermen in (a) coastal fixed engines, (b) driftnetting and (c) other means in Northern Ireland waters in each of the last three years; and if he will give his estimate of the number of such fish bound for Northern Ireland rivers which were caught before they entered United Kingdom waters in each of those years.
§ Mr. ButlerThe information is as follows:
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(a) Coastal Fixed Engines (b) Drift Netting (c) Other Means Year Number Value Number Value Number Value £ £ £ 1980 14,252 138,550 16,090 151,916 10,780 97,893 1981 9,313 101,512 12,618 139,657 7,776 84,913 1982 15,033 178,870 19,622 246,376 11,841 144,125 These figures include 50 per cent. of the salmon and grilse catch in the Foyle area, which for statistical purposes is divided equally between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
It is not possible to estimate the number of fish bound for Northern Ireland rivers which were caught before they entered United Kingdom waters.