§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with the chairman of the National Rivers Authority about the implementation of the recommendations of the report on the north east drift net fishery, with particular reference to the conclusion that this fishery should be phased out; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryOn the day this review was presented to Parliament, my right hon. Friend the Minister wrote to the chairman of the National Rivers Authority explaining the Governments position and seeking the authority's response. He has discussed this issue, among others, with the chairman; and his officials have also been in close contact with the NRA. The phasing out of the north-east coast salmon drift net fishery is one of a number of recommendations made in the review. The NRA will let us have its proposals for implementing the recommendations as soon as they are able.