§ MAJOR O'BEIRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland to call upon Mr. Brady, the Inspector of Irish Fisheries, To explain how it is for the benefit of the public, and in the interests of the Salmon Fisheries of the Sligo River, that thirty miles of salmon fishing in Lough Gill and the Bonet River, county Leitrim, should have been completely destroyed; 1stly, by the enactment of bye laws altering the close season from the 1st February to the 15th January; and, 2ndly, by the publication, with Mr. Brady's authority, of a public notice, dated 14th January 1871, whereby all the rights and privileges of a several fishery in the Sligo River were granted to Mr. Martin, the public being thrown off their guard by the aforesaid public notice, came into court unprepared to dispute Mr. Martin's legal title to a several fishery; and, further, to explain why Mr. Brady is the only Inspector of Irish Fisheries who permits a poaching implement termed a fixed draft net, to be erected in the tideway of a river, these nets not being sanctioned by Act of Parliament?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERI have made inquiries respecting the matter referred to in the Question, and I hope shortly to receive a reply. However, I think it right to say that it is not the case, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman has been led to believe, that Mr. Brady had no authority to issue a notice to carry out such works as those referred to. Any such notice must receive the sanction of three Inspectors. I understand, in all the cases referred to, the requisite authority was given.
§ MAJOR O'BEIRNEMr. Brady is responsible for all the decisions in his own district, and it was by his authority this notice was issued in the district.
§ MR. J. LOWTHERWhat I understand is, that although, no doubt, the Inspector of the district carries out the usual duties of his office, he cannot take the issuing of notice on himself without the sanction of two of his colleagues.