To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what consideration he has given to implementing a ban of (i) fish being sold at fairs; and (ii) fish being given as prizes at fairs.

It is already an offence in Northern Ireland to sell or give fish as a prize to anyone under the age of sixteen, except in certain specified circumstances. The position is similar in England and Wales. The penalty for commission of the offence in Northern Ireland is imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

I am not aware of any evidence to suggest that fish are being sold or given away as prizes at fairs in Northern Ireland in recent years. I do not, therefore, consider it a priority to introduce any further regulation at this time.