§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin, Co., S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, since the report of the Commission on Scotch Fisheries relative to trawling, scientific opinion has changed considerably as to the injurious effect of trawling on coast fisheries; if trawling has been put a stop to in different parts of Scotland in consequence; if it is a fact that the Coast Guard Officer in Galway stated in a report that the fishing in Galway Bay has been destroyed by trawling; if it is a fact that the Galway fishermen are very much opposed to trawling; and, if the Government can induce the Fishery Commissioners in Ireland to limit the operations of trawling boats in Galway Bay?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)The Inspectors of Irish Fisheries are not aware that scientific opinion with regard to the injurious effects of trawling has changed as suggested. If the hon. Baronet has any information on the subject, perhaps he will be good enough to communicate it to the Government or to the Inspectors. The by-laws prohibiting trawling on the Scotch Coast are expressly described by the Scotch Inspectors in their last annual Report now before the House as being merely experimental. It is true that the Galway fishermen are opposed to 1181 trawling, and that the Coastguard officer at Galway has expressed the opinion that it is injurious; but this officer was produced as a witness at the inquiry recently held at Galway. when the value of his opinion might have been tested. No evidence was given on that occasion which would justify the Inspectors in limiting the operations of trawling boats in Galway Bay.