§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of convictions for offences relating to salmon and trout poaching on the River Usk and estuary in each of the last five years; and what penalties were imposed.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe information requested is as follows:
authority has increased protection of its fisheries in recent times under section 28 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsAlthough there is no objective measure of the trend in poaching levels, I am advised that 437W illegal fishing activity may have passed its peak in recent years. Information has been provided by the Welsh water authority. The Merthyr Tydfil angling association and some individuals have also submitted their views on fish stocks in the River Usk. Some increase in the protection of fisheries has been achieved through the introduction by the Welsh water authority of new techniques to combat poaching.