In a statement this afternoon,he said:

"I would like to correct any impression that Defra's budget settlement for the Environment Agency for 2008/09 will reduce spending on fisheries protection.

"In fact, the Environment Agency is this year spending more than ever before on salmon and freshwater fisheries protection, at a total of £34 million, compared with £32 million in 2007/08.

"It is true that Defra has given the Agency a flat cash settlement of £5.9 million to cover fisheries work in 2008/09, but this level of funding represents no cut whatsoever from last year's level."

And further income will come from the increase in rod licence duties over the next three years, which were announced last year, and are part of the Agency's ongoing fisheries business plan. He went on:

"Defra has recognised for many years that the Agency's work would be made easier if the legislation on the management and regulation of salmon and freshwater fisheries were modernised and more flexible. We will announce measures to enable the Agency to operate more effectively in its fisheries work,in the draft Marine Bill this Spring."

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