§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, To state the result of the inquiry held in 1872 on the subject of the use of trawling vessels within the Bay of Galway; and, whether any steps have been taken since its conclusion, by the authorities in Ireland, with reference to the question then in dispute?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHThe result of the inquiry held in 1872 was that the Inspectors of Fisheries decided to institute a series of experiments in Galway Bay, in order to ascertain the precise effects of the use of trawling vessels upon the fisheries there. These experiments were carried out by the Inspectors with the aid of the Coastguard. They necessarily took some time, and were further delayed by a Coastguard officer who had been particularly active on the subject having been transferred to another station. The Inspectors have not yet, I believe, taken any final steps on the question, but I am now in communication with them upon it.