Member

On the issue of relying on the existing controls and regulations, I may be wrong but I have not been able to find a single example of fines being imposed on a salmon farm where a large escape of fish has occurred, which of course does huge damage to the indigenous Atlantic salmon population. I remind the House that that population is now regarded by the UN as an endangered species; such is its fragility. I have not found a single example of fines being imposed. They have perhaps been told, “Please try and strengthen your nets” or “Don’t do it again”. It seems to me that there should be a duty on the part of the landlord—the Crown Estate commissioners—to make sure that there is a sanction, that people can lose their business, or not get a licence, unless they can show that they are taking this seriously.