§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Canadian authorities following the announcement of a ban on commercial fishing for Atlantic salmon in Canadian waters; and what consideration he is now giving to applying similar conservation measures to United Kingdom coastal fisheries.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Canadian Minister of Fisheries an Oceans had discussions with senior officials on 13 May, in the absence of my right hon. Friend and myself in Brussels at an Agriculture Council meeting. These touched on salmon conservatin matters of mutual interest. I am not aware of any announcement of a ban on commercial fishing for Atlantic salmon in Canadian waters. I understand that the Canadian Government introduced greater restrictions on commerical fishing for salmon (including shorter seasons) in 1984 and the Canadian Minister recently announced that he is extending these to all the Maritime Provinces in 1985.
Fishing for Atlantic salmon in United Kingdom coastal waters is already subject to close restrictions and these are kept under review in the light of developments.