§ MR. MELDONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in the event of the Motion to refer the Crab and Lobster Fisheries (Norfolk) Bill to a Select Committee being withdrawn, the Government are prepared to advise the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the necessity for legislation with the view of protecting the Crab and Lobster Fisheries throughout the United Kingdom?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, in reply, said, the Crab and Lobster Fisheries (Norfolk) Bill was founded on an inquiry made by the Fishery Inspectors. It had the unanimous approval of the fishermen and of the owners of fisheries, and therefore he should like to have it passed, if possible, this Session. He was perfectly willing, however, that in the Recess an inquiry should be instituted by the Inspectors for the whole Kingdom, so that next year a Bill not limited to Norfolk, but operating throughout the United Kingdom, might be introduced.