§ Lord Moranasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they think that the current widespread restocking of Scottish rivers with farmed salmon parr and smolts may damage the genetic distinctiveness and so the long-term viability of salmon stocks in such rivers; and if so, whether they will take steps to halt such restocking until the facts are established and invite the Advisory Committee on Atlantic Salmon Conservation to study the problem and report on the desirability or otherwise of introducing into rivers stock originating from fish farms.
§ Lord GlenarthurThe stocking or restocking of salmon rivers is a subject which is being studied by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. Research is being carried out at the department's freshwater and marine laboratories into genetic sub-divisions in Scottish salmon stocks. In the circumstances I do not at present consider that it would be appropriate to invite the Salmon Advisory Committee to study the subject. Meantime, the advice given is always to restock with indigenous stock only.
From 7th January 1987 it will be an offence under Section 24(1) of the Salmon Act 1986 intentionally to introduce salmon or salmon eggs into inland waters in the area of a district salmon fishery board without the board's consent.