§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the poaching activities that have taken place in the North East of England since the salmon and trout season began; to what extent have the bailiffs and Tweed Commissioners been involved in combating poaching and whether there have been any prosecutions.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonI understand that the River Tweed Commissioners have removed about 100 nets which have been set illegally in their area since 1st January. Two persons have been reported for illegal fishing in the River Tweed and prosecutions are pending. Despite recent attacks on their premises and patrol vessel, the commissioners are maintaining their enforcement efforts against poachers. Further, I am informed that no illegal netting has been observed or reported in the areas of the Yorkshire or Northumbrian Water Authorities. One angler has been reported for using snatch tackle in the River Tyne and prosecution proceedings are under consideration. As ever, water authority bailiffs remain vigilant to the threat of poaching.