§ MR. A. M'ARTHURasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether there is any foundation for the statement which has appeared in the public journals, that the English fishermen on the coast of Newfoundland have destroyed "the engines" of the French fishermen; and, whether, in consequence, the Government of the island has asked for an additional naval force?
§ MR. J. LOWTHER, in reply, said, he was not aware to what particular incident the first part of the hon. Gentleman's Question referred; but in the early part of last year a case occurred in which a British fisherman was alleged to have destroyed a salmon weir placed 555 in a river by a Frenchman; since which, however, no similar proceedings had, so far as he (Mr. J. Lowther) knew, occurred. With regard to the latter part of the Question, he might state that no application had been received for an increased naval force to be stationed in the waters in which there were disputed rights of fishing.