asked the Minister for Lands why the River Foyle Commissioners propose increasing the cost of net licences from £8 to £12; and why they demand that applications for the licences are to be made before 1st March, 1960.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foyle Net Licences.
22.
The Foyle Fisheries Commission has by regulation fixed new rates of licence duty in order to maintain a reasonable level of revenue for purposes of protection. The increase from £8 to £12 in the licence duty for drift nets used in Lough Foyle is, I understand, in line with increases generally under the regulations.
The requirement that applications for licences be made not later than 1st March, 1960, is an essential part of the new procedure whereby certain classes of licence will be issued only to applicants approved by the Commission. This is designed to eliminate the abuses of recent years in regard to the holding of multiple licences.
Is the Minister aware that the Foyle Commissioners made a profit of £10,000 last year? Can he say is there any justification for the increase?
I am very glad indeed to learn of the success of the Commission in the operation of this fishery.