HL Deb 27 February 2003 vol 645 c66WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the up-to-date position on the question of ending the North Sea drift net fishery. [HL1793]

Lord Whitty

In their formal response to the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review Group report, the Government announced they would provide up to £750,000, subject to match funding from private interests, towards the voluntary buy-out of mixed stock salmon drift net fisheries in England. Efforts are focusing on the largest of these that fish off the north-east coast of England.

Constructive negotiations between the drift netsmen and conservation and riparian interests, assisted by the Environment Agency and Defra, are ongoing.

Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recent discussions they have had with the Irish Republic with a view to ending drift net fishing in Irish waters to release salmon into Welsh and western English rivers. [HL1794]

Lord Whitty

No formal discussions have been held with the Irish Government about drift netting in Irish waters.