HC Deb 24 August 1889 vol 340 cc457-8

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

MR. P. J. POWER (Waterford, E.)

Seeing that there is considerable difference of opinion with regard to this Bill in Ireland, I think it would only be reasonable to our constituents and ourselves if it were not taken to-day. I beg to move that the Chairman report Progress.

MR. MURPHY

Before that Motion is put I would point out to my hon. Friend that the effect of his proposal, if adopted, would be to kill the Bill for the Session. For my own part I do not desire to kill it but only to move Amendments to it. I would rather see it pass in its amended shape than see it dropped altogether.

MR. MADDEN

The Bill will go sufficiently far in the direction of stopping steam trawling without the Amendments. Half a loaf is better than no bread; therefore, I trust that the Bill may be allowed to go on. The Fishery Inspectors will have power to stop steam trawling where they think it should be stopped. I may say that the reason the Bill is introduced is that the effect of the Scotch measure may be to send the steam trawlers over to Ireland from those parts of the Scotch coast where steam trawling is prohibited, and it is deemed desirable to be prepared for their coming. The Bill will enable the Fishery Inspectors to stop steam trawling as distinguished from other trawling. If the Bill is not gone on with now it will be impossible to pass it this Session. I believe it will be a useful Bill so far as it goes.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."

MR. BIGGAR

It seems to me that there will have to be some discussion on the details of this Bill.

MR. MADDEN

As there is considerable difference of opinion with regard to the measure, perhaps the best course would be to agree to the Motion for reporting Progress.

Question put, and agreed to.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next.