§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCKasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether arrangements have yet been made by which the Provisions of the Act of 1875, establishing a close time for the Seal Fishery, shall be carried into effect next year?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYSir, the provisions of the Act of last year were to empower the Queen, by Order in Council, to make a close time for seal fishing when it appeared that the foreign States engaged in the same fishery did the same. Her Majesty's Government put themselves immediately in communication with the three foreign Governments concerned. The Norwegian Storthing have passed a law practically similar to our own. The German and Dutch Governments have Bills prepared for the establishment of a close season, but we have not yet received information of their becoming law. The consequence is that nothing further can be 1481 done in the matter until those countries establish the needed restrictions by law.