asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether it is his intention that the draft model water authority byelaws, to be made under section 28 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, should apply to lead core lines.

It is our intention to include within the scope of the draft model byelaw all forms of lead weights used in fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels which could cause harm to swans if ingested by them. We are examining the question of lead core lines raised by my hon. Friend, and I will reply to his recent letter as soon as we have completed our examination.