§ Captain Pechell,with reference to the introduction of fish into the British markets caught by foreign fishermen, and sent to this country in carrier boats, wished to inquire from the right hon. Baronet whether any reciprocity as to the trade in fish had been secured to our fishermen; in short, whether our fishermen were able to send fish to Holland and France.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, he should not throw any obstacles in the way of the introduction of foreign fish. The difficulties which were found in the importation of it did not arise from any objection to letting foreign-caught fish enter into competition with that caught by our own countrymen, but on a totally different ground. The object in view was to prevent smuggling, which would be carried on extensively if fish were to be introduced otherwise than in trading vessels. It was well known that abundance of foreign-caught fish was 377 to be had in the English markets. As to the matter of reciprocity, he certainly could not consent to postpone public measures till he obtained permission for the fishermen of Brighton and other places along our coast to send their fish to France and Holland.