HC Deb 23 April 1869 vol 195 cc1464-5
SIR HERBERT CROFT

said, he wished to ask the President of the Board of Trade, Whether the words "sea fishing boat" in the Sea Fishery Act, 31 and 32 Vic. c. 45, are intended to apply to yachts which may be occasionally used in fishing?

MR. BRIGHT

Sir, the Board of Trade is not in a condition to place an authoritative construction upon the words of an Act of Parliament; but I may tell the hon. Baronet that it is not their opinion that these pleasure vessels were intended to be included, and I suppose I may say the same with regard to those small boats he has introduced into the Question. At this moment it is under consideration whether something shall not be done to exclude them. There are some other small points connected with the same subject and similar small classes of vessels; and by-and-by it is intended to except them by an Order in Council or Act of Parliament. I cannot give any answer more definite than that, but it will be sufficient to relieve the anxieties of those who have been put to inconvenience by that clause of the Act to which the hon. Baronet has referred.