HL Deb 22 June 2000 vol 614 cc44-5WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recent talks they have had with the North Sea drift net fishermen on the progress being made to close the North Sea Drift Fishery; and whether compensation is being considered to assist the process. [HL2917]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

No recent discussions have taken place with fishermen on the phase-out of the North-East coast salmon drift net fishery. The Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review recommended that the phase-out should be accelerated, with compensation offered to netsmen to encourage them to leave this fishery on a voluntary basis as soon as possible. The Government are currently seeking views on the review's recommendations, and will make their response to them later in the year.