§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the proportion of the Scottish catch of spring fish taken by rod; and what proposals he has to limit the rod catch to conserve stocks. [12168]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonAs netting catches of salmon and netting effort have declined over the years the proportion taken by anglers has increased and now represents about 80 per cent. of the overall catch of spring salmon. Any recommendations on the exploitation of spring fish contained in Lord Nickson's task force report, which is due shortly, will be considered fully.