HL Deb 21 May 1996 vol 572 cc94-6WA
The Earl of Dundonald

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why there is no close season for rainbow trout.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Lindsay)

Since rainbow trout do not normally reproduce naturally in Scotland, there is no statutory close season.

The Earl of Dundonald

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the lack of close season legislation for rainbow trout and char is being exploited by unscrupulous anglers, to allow them to take protected brown trout out of season.

The Earl of Lindsay

The Government have no evidence that this is a problem. However, as it is an offence to take brown trout in the close season whatever the pretext, those responsible can be prosecuted.

The Earl of Dundonald

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that fishery management and the operation of district fishery boards and protection orders are made difficult, if not impossible, by the lack of close season legislation for certain species.

The Earl of Lindsay

Those responsible for the management of Scotland's freshwater fisheries have not made representations to that effect.

The Earl of Dundonald

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  • Whether the species of char or Arctic char are covered by any close season legislation; and
  • Whether they have any plans to introduce a close season for rainbow trout and char or Arctic char.

The Earl of Lindsay

There is no statutory close season for char, also known as Arctic char. The Government have no plans to introduce a close season for that species or for rainbow trout.