HC Deb 14 August 1876 vol 231 cc1201-2
MR. BUTT (for Mr. O'ShaUghnessy)

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If he can state the circumstances which led to the delay of the approval of the Irish Privy Council of the two bye-laws hereinafter mentioned, namely:—

  1. 1. Bye-law. Skibbereen District, River Ilen, made by the Inspectors and dated 28th February, 1874; approved by the Privy Council 27th November, 1875;
  2. 2. Bye-law. Waterford District, made by the Inspectors and dated 17th April, 1874; approved by the Privy Council 13th January, 1875?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Sir, bye-laws made by the Irish Inspectors of Fisheries are not approved by the Privy Council without first obtaining the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to their legality, and until opportunities have been had for their consideration by a Committee of the Privy Council, which, of course, can only act upon a reference from the Privy Council. With regard to the particular cases named, I am informed that the River Hen Bye-law, made by the Inspectors on the 28th of February, 1874, was not received in the Council Office until the 23rd of May, 1874, as the legal formalities as to posting of notices, &c, which the Inspectors have to go through, necessarily occupy considerable time. It was submitted to the Privy Council on the 30th of June, at their next meeting after its receipt. It was then referred to the Law Officers, and upon its return with their opinion was considered by the Committee at their next meeting on the 20th of October. The Committee reported in its favour, and it was approved by the Privy Council at their next meeting, on the 27th of November, 1874. With respect to the Waterford District Bye-laws, the dates are as follows:—Made by the Inspectors, April 17, 1874; lodged in Council Office, November 24;submitted to Privy Council, November 27; considered by Committee, December 23; approved by Privy Council, January 13, 1875. I am bound to say that in both these cases some of the intervals, particularly between the making of the bye-law and its lodgment in the Privy Council Office, appear longer than I should have supposed were necessary. I will make further inquiry into the matter, with a view of preventing unnecessary delay (if any has occurred) in the future.