HC Deb 01 July 1869 vol 197 cc948-9
MR. BLAKE

said, he also wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Report which has appeared in the Irish Papers that the Coast Guard at Kingstown had seized five smacks having their drift nets fishing one hour before sunset is correct; and, if so, if he will be good enough to state under what section of the Fishery Acts are the Coast Guard or other authorities justified in seizing vessels under such circumstances, and what Instructions, if any, have been issued by the Board of Works as Fishery Commissioners for the guidance of the Coast Guard in such cases?

MR. AYRTON

replied, that by the Act of 5 & 6 Vict., c. 160, the officers and men of the Coast Guard were authorized to enforce the provisions of the Act for regulating the Fisheries in Ireland. The Commissioners of Fisheries undertook the task of making a small code of the Fisheries Laws for the convenience of the officers and men of the Coast Guard, of which he would be happy to present the hon. Member with a copy. The Coast Guard received information that some nets had been shot for the improper capture of herrings. A boat was directed to go to the spot, when it was found that the fisheries had been disturbed by such illegal acts; and thereupon they took the steps which they considered were authorized by the Act, and they prosecuted the offenders for the illegal fishery. The Board of Works in Ireland thought the men should be admonished, and cautioned against a repetition of the offence; and to that extent only did they interfere in the matter.

MR. BLAKE

The hon. Member has not answered my Question. I asked under what Act the Officers of the Coast Guard were justified in committing the act of piracy on the high seas in seizing the five smacks?

MR. AYRTON

I am not responsible for the Coast Guard. If my hon. Friend examines the code he will see how far they were authorized in their proceedings.

MR. MATTHEWS

Under what Act of Parliament is there power to issue a code authorizing the seizure of ships on the high sea?

MR. AYRTON

The hon. Gentleman has misunderstood the answer that I gave. I did not say that the Commissioners had issued a code authorizing the Coast Guard to seize vessels, but a side which contained a summary of the statute law relating to the performance of the duties of the Coast Guard.

MR. PEMBERTON

I think the question remains more unanswered than before.