§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether fisheries conservancy board bailiffs and a scientist were authorised to remove salmon for the purpose of stripping eggs from them during the salmon seasons 1987–88, 1988–89 and 1989–90 on the Grillagh river in County Londonderry.
§ Mr. BrookeNo.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many reports have been received by the Fisheries Conservancy Board of poaching and illegal salmon stripping on the Grillagh, Clady and Maine rivers since November 1988; and what action has been taken.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Fisheries Conservancy Board receives a substantial number of reports, mostly oral, about poaching throughout its area of responsibility, but, as no central record of reports is maintained, it is not possible to quantify the number received in relation to specific watercourses. All reports are investigated by board staff.
561WIn January 1989 the board received information from a local angling club that there were dead salmon in the Grillagh river. On investigation a board bailiff found a number of dead fish some of which had been cut open. Subsequently allegations were made that board staff were involved in the stripping of salmon and the illegal operation of a hatchery.
Because of the alleged involvement of its staff the Fisheries Conservancy Board referred the investigations to the Royal Ulster Constabulary for investigation. Following the submission of its report the Director of Public Prosecutions directed "No prosecution".