HC Deb 04 February 1998 vol 305 c684W
Mr. Alan Campbell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to alter the number of salmon drift net fishing licences currently held in the North East. [26818]

Mr. Morley

This drift net fishery is currently being phased out. As existing netsmen retire or leave the fishery their licences are not reallocated. Since 1992, the number of licences issued has fallen from 142 to 81 in 1997.

Mr. Alan Campbell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many salmon drift net fishing licences are currently in force between(a) Berwick and the Tyne and (b) the Tyne and Whitby. [26819]

Mr. Morley

In 1997, there were 49 salmon drift net fishing licences in force between Holy Island and the Tyne and 32 licences between the Tyne and Whitby.

Mr. Alan Campbell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to limit the 1998 salmon drift net fishing season in the North East. [26817]

Mr. Morley

There are no plans to limit the 1998 salmon drift net fishing season in the North East.