§ MR. DODDSsaid, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether he is aware that two of the Special Commissioners for Irish Fisheries addressed a letter on the 11th April 1868, to the Irish Government, requesting advice and direction on the following point—namely, whether the Government wished the business of the Commission to be carried on on the principle that, in the event of differences of opinion existing between the three Commissioners, the opinion of the majority must govern each official act; and, further, stating that unless that point were authoritatively settled by the Government the transaction of the business must be seriously impeded; and, whether he is aware of the reason why the Government refused to answer and has never answered the appeal so made to them by their officers? He also wished to know when the Copies of Correspondence, &c, relating to Fisheries (Ireland), ordered on the 22nd of March last, will be in the hands of Members?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUEreplied that the Returns were being prepared with all speed. With regard to the Question why the appeal made by the Fishery Commissioners had never been answered, he would prefer that the hon. Member should ask some Member of the late Government for information on that point.