§ Mr. Halcomb moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the present state of the British fish- 445 eries, and the laws affecting the fishing trade of England, with a view to their amendment. He said, his first object was to relieve that numerous and important class of persons who were engaged in the fisheries. They were at present suffering great distress in consequence of various injurious restrictions and regulations to which they were subjected, and to which the Legislature had not lately turned its attention. For example, the Custom House officers would allow them to fish only four leagues from the coast while the best fish were to be caught further out. This subject had been discussed about twelve years ago, and a Bill had then passed that House for the relief of the fishermen, but it was thrown out in the House of Lords. What he wanted now was inquiry, with a view of ascertaining what measures could be devised to protect the fisheries, and thereby extend employment and the trade of the country.
§ Mr. Bernalwished to know whether the hon. member for Dover meant to confine the investigation to the cod and turbot fisheries, or whether he intended to include an inquiry into the oyster trade and river fisheries?
§ Mr. Halcombsaid, his Motion should have no reference to the internal fisheries of the country.
§ Mr. Bernalput it to the discretion of the hon. member for Dover, whether any benefit could result from such an inquiry commenced at so late a period of the Session. There were great interests and most important questions involved in this inquiry. The Committee would have to consider, not only some questions of international law, but the conflicting interests of the English fishermen and those of Guernsey and Jersey.
§ The House divided—Ayes 53; Noes 24: Majority 29.
§ A Committee was appointed.