To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications for rod licences from people in each age group were refused in each of the last five years; and for what reasons. (263584)

Anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to fish for freshwater fish and eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk region of Scotland requires a rod licence to fish with a rod and line. The Environment Agency do not refuse rod licences.