§ MR. GABBETTasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it has been customary for the Board of Works (Ireland) at the expiration of successive leases of the Killaloe Eel Fishery, to put it up to competition by advertisement in the newspapers; and, if that rule has been departed from on a late occasion; and, if so, on what grounds, and what mode of proceeding has been substituted?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHSir, as this Question relates to the Board of Works, I have to answer it on behalf of the Treasury. It has been customary to let the Killaloe Eel Fishery on lease of three years, and, at the expiration of each such lease, to put it up to competition by public advertisement. This practice was departed from this Spring, because it was feared that, in consequence of the works in progress for the improvement of the Shannon, difficulties might arise and claims for compensation be put forward on the ground 839 of alleged injury to the fishery. It was therefore thought advisable to continue the late lessee—who, having been the highest bidder, had held the fishery for several successive periods—in occupation for three years more at the same rent, which is the highest ever obtained, he giving an undertaking that he would not seek for compensation on account of any effect produced by the works of improvement in the river.