Written Statement: Confirmation of receipt of the Planning Inspectorate’s Report in response to the Local Inquiry into Natural Resources Wales’ ‘All Wales Byelaw proposals’

I am now in receipt of the Planning Inspectorate’s Report in response to the Local Inquiry conducted at the start of 2019, into Natural Resources Wales’ ‘All Wales’ byelaw proposals, formally known as The Wales Rod & Line (Salmon & Sea Trout) Byelaws 2017 and the Wales Net Fishing (Salmon and sea Trout) Byelaws 2017.

I thank the Planning Inspectorate for their services in conducting an open, impartial and fair inquiry and for providing me with the final Report.

To release the Inspector’s Report before taking my final decision could introduce uncertainty and delay to the making of the decision. The public interest in this case is best served by a timely final decision, which would then be accompanied by the publication of the Report, allowing the public to scrutinise the Inspector’s recommendations, and where I have agreed or disagreed with those recommendations.

I will now take time to reflect carefully upon the recommendations regarding the proposed byelaws and give all the relevant factors proper consideration. I will make the final decision on how best to proceed before summer recess.