BELIEVE it or not, I am glad the scientists at the Roslin Institute have released their findings that "fish feel pain."

Why? Because it is moving research on the matter and, therefore, the debate, forward. I believe it is good science, though I disagree with the findings, as do other international scientists.

I do not believe that fish feel 'pain' in the way we understand it, and I think there is a long way to go before any compelling evidence on the issue is found.

The research we have so far, including the Medway Report and the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report on farmed fish, only concludes that we don't know. Indeed, other research would suggest that fish do not have the brains to understand or feel pain.

I believe a Royal Commission into animal welfare, to set out what is acceptable treatment of animals and what is not, is the next logical step. We must base our behaviour on scientific research, not sentiment.

A properly researched scientific paper would help lessen the current 'Disneyfication' of fish and provide a framework within which anglers can go about their business, fish and continue their vital conservation work, in harmony with the environment.

CHARLES JARDINE, Director, Countryside Alliance Campaign for Angling.