§ Captain Pechellwished to put a question to the right hon. Baronet at the head of her Majesty's Government. The right hon. Baronet was aware that a convention had been concluded with France, which had for its object the regulation of the fishing trade on the coasts of that country and of Great Britain. Commissioners had been mutually appointed to arrange the disputes which had grown up between the fishermen of the two countries, and to adopt regulations to prevent collision for the future. He wished to know what progress had been made by the commissioners, and also at what period the right hon. Gentleman expected that he should be enabled to bring forward a measure to sanction the regulations that might be agreed on?
§ Sir R. Peelreplied, that the gallant Officer had stated correctly that a treaty was concluded in 1839 between this country and France, to regulate the oyster and other fisheries off the coasts of the two countries. The treaty provided that commissioners should be appointed by each side to specify the limits within which the rights of each should be restricted, and to make regulations for carrying the treaty into effect. The commissioners had been appointed. They had met and had agreed upon the regulations; but there had been discussions as to the mode in which the regulations should be carried into effect. But he believed, that the difference was confined to one point, and that was not one of any difficulty; so that he hoped that before the oyster fishing opened in August the whole matter would be settled. The right to the fishing on the part of this country was confined to three miles from low water-mark. But there was a discussion as to the French boats being allowed to come within the three miles, not to fish, but to rest for the night. He repeated that he certainly did hope the matter would be speedily adjusted.
§ Captain Pechellsaid, an act was passed last year to enable the Privy Council to carry out such regulations as might be agreed upon by treaty between the two countries. Now, he wished to ask the right hon. Baronet, was it his intention to apply for a renewal of that act, which had expired?
§ Sir R. Peelwould consider it.