§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what offsetting benefits he proposes to angling clubs against their increased costs arising from the proposed rating of fisheries;
(2) if he will meet the Mow Cop angling club to discuss their concerns on rating of angling clubs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryUnder section 142 of the Water Resources Act 1991, the National Rivers Authority may apply to Ministers for an order requiring owners and occupiers of fisheries to contribute to the cost of the carrying out of its fisheries functions. No such application has yet been made. The authority is, we understand, developing proposals for a section 142 contributions scheme and has already undertaken a consultation exercise based on its discussion document "A Fair Assessment". The NRA is developing ideas for a further round of consultations. Angling clubs and others will have every opportunity to express their concerns in this context, and may submit further comments on the proposals to Ministers if and when the authority applies for an order. In these circumstances, I have no plans at present to meet angling clubs.