asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will reconsider the recent increase in the salmon licence fee to drift net fishermen as it is causing real hardship.
Written Answers. - Salmon Fishing.
454.
In settling the amounts of the recent increases in salmon licence duties I had regard to the effect of inflation since the licence duties were last increased in 1977 as well as the fact that the salmon levy has been abolished as from 1 June 1982. On these grounds the revised rates of licence duty, including that in respect of drift net fishing, are considered reasonable and I am not prepared to reconsider the decision made.
455.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will restore the duration of the drift net fishing season for salmon for 1983.
As I am most concerned about the decline in recent years in our salmon stocks I am at present reviewing the various conservation measures in force, including the duration of the drift net fishing season. I hope to reach a decision in the matter shortly.