§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE EARL OF DALHOUSIE,in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, explained that its object was to extend the powers of Boards of Conservators in fishery districts, for the better 1253 protection of fresh water fish. The meshes of nets were frequently so small that immature trout and young salmon were destroyed in the operation of catching larger fish, and the Bill was intended to prevent this. It enabled Fishery Boards to make bye-laws for determining the mesh of nets, and the instruments to be used in fishing; it also extended Section 6 of the Fresh Wafer Fisheries Act, 1878, thereby enabling a Board to be formed for the protection of coarse fish. Clause 3 extended the powers of water bailiffs from the districts marked out by the Fresh Water Fisheries Act, 1868, and the Salmon Fisheries Acts, 1861 to 1873, to the districts intended to be protected by the Bill. It was not to extend to Scotland or Ireland, or to the counties of Norfolk or Suffolk.
§ Moved "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Earl of Dalhousie.)
§ THE EARL OF MALMESBURYwas understood to say, that the Bill would affect many private rights, and would prevent small fish being caught for bait. He did not wish to oppose the second reading of the Bill; but he now gave Notice that it was his intention to propose some limitations in Committee, so as to secure the rights and privileges of those who possessed several fisheries.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to n Committee of the Whole House on Friday next.