HL Deb 31 October 1994 vol 558 cc52-4WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations have been received from conservationists and conservation organisations concerning the National Rivers Authority's proposed abolition of a coarse fishing close season; and

What discussions have taken place with the National Rivers Authority on the conservation implications of a coarse fishing close season concerning the impacts on bankside erosion, wild life, nesting birds, small mammals, plants and, in particular, spawning fish: and what was the outcome of such discussions; and

What interests involving employment will be affected by abolishing the coarse fishing close season as advocated by the National Rivers Authority: and whether any particular region will be adversely affected.

Earl Howe

Earlier this year the NRA carried out an extensive review of the coarse fish close season. In the light of this review the NRA concluded that there should be a uniform close season on all rivers, streams, drains and canals in England and Wales, but that there should be no statutory close season on stillwater fisheries. New byelaws which would give effect to these changes were recently advertised by the NRA and we have received a number of formal objections to various aspects of the proposals. The new byelaws cannot come into force unless they are confirmed by my right honourable friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and, in respect of Wales, the Secretary of State. The NRA has not yet applied for confirmation. However, if it does it will take the objections received into account in deciding whether the byelaws should be confirmed.