I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 273 together.
I have consulted my scientific advisers on the current state of salmon stocks, particularly those of spring salmon. Based on that advice it is clear that it is not in the interests of salmon conservation to grant opening dates for the commercial exploitation of salmon fisheries any earlier than have already been provided for in the new conservation measures.
I have decided to allow commercial salmon fishermen to continue fishing to the end of July in those areas where fishing would normally have finished on 25 July. This is justified by the relative strength of the grilse run in late July.