HC Deb 08 June 1836 vol 34 c212

On the Motion of Captain Pechell, the Fisheries' Bill was recommitted.

On the Question, that the 3rd Clause stand part of the Bill,

Captain F. Berkeley

said, on the ground that this clause would go, by the restriction which it enforced as to the size of the nets to be used, to inflict serious injury on the poorer classes of fishermen of this country, he felt bound to oppose it.

Lord George Lennox

said a few words in opposition to, and Mr. Elphinstone in favour of the clause.

Captain Pechell

defended the clause as being absolutely necessary for the protection of the fisheries, while at the same time power was given to the Magistrates of Quarter Sessions, if they should think fit to do so, to take off the restriction with respect to the use of seine nets.

Captain F. Berkeley

still considered that the effect of the clause could only be to deprive the poorer class of fishermen of their bread, and therefore he felt it to be his duty to take the sense of the Committee upon it.

The Committee then divided on the Clause: Ayes 51; Noes 13—Majority 38. Clause agreed to,

The House resumed. The Report to be received.