§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consult the water authorities regarding the implications of the expansion of canoeing activity for the operation of the Freshwater Fisheries Acts, with particular reference to disturbance of rivers and the impact on freshwater fish; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 5 May 1987]: If there were any significant impact of canoeing activity in the state of freshwater fish stocks or on the operation of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, I would expect the water authorities to draw it to my attention. They have not done so and my understanding is that there is at present no general problem on either account. The question of mutually acceptable arrangements for the use of rivers for angling, canoeing and other sports is essentially a matter for local consultation.