I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 316 together.
Under the Fisheries Acts, the regional fisheries boards are responsible for issuing salmon fishing licences. All applications for such licences are considered in accordance with the Control of Fishing for Salmon Orders 1980 to 1997. A person convicted of a fishing offence may, following the expiry period of any disqualification order issued by the courts, apply again for a commercial fishing licence.
The Control of Fishing for Salmon Orders set maximum numbers of licences which may be issued by the regional board in each fishery district. In allocating the licences, priority is first given to applications from persons who derived a substantial part of their livelihood from fishing for salmon under a licence issued in the previous year. Accordingly, a person failing to meet this criteria is accorded a lower priority which, given the maximum number of licences applicable, may result in the application being unsuccessful.