asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of existing chaos in salmon fishing and a number of fishermen facing jail sentences, he has any proposals to regularise the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Salmon Fishing Industry.
649.
I do not accept the allegation in the question about chaos in the salmon fishing industry. I am aware that in certain areas some fishermen persist in fishing illegally to the detriment of the industry and their fishermen colleagues. This illegal activity must be strongly condemned and I will not refrain from using every possible effort to deal with the situation. Fishermen are not immune from the law and those who openly defy the law governing the conservation of salmon stocks leave themselves open to heavy fines and jail sentences if convicted.