§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he has made to ensure that the National Rivers Authority does not seek to collect individual rod licence fees from Scottish anglers fishing in tributaries of the Esk in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland have been subject to English fisheries legislation and administration since at least 1865. The implementation and enforcement of those provisions—including rod licence duties—is now a matter for the National Rivers Authority (NRA). I understand that the NRA is keen to allow sufficient time for consultation and agreement on the way forward and that, to this end, no charges will be made for 1991.