§ MR. HEALYasked the Secretary to the Treasury, If the funds and all property of the Trustees to aid Sea and Coast Fisheries of Ireland have been transferred to the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, as directed by the Act 47 and 48 Vic. c. 21, which received the Royal Assent on the 3rd of July last; and, if so, on what date such transfer took place, and if he will cause a Return to be made by the Commissioners of Public Works showing exactly the particulars set forth in today's Notice Paper?
§ MR. COURTNEY, in reply, said, the property in question was transferred to the Board of Works on the 29th of September last. The Fishery Inspectors, who approve loans from these funds, were apprised of the transfer the same day. As I am not connected with their Department, I cannot say what they may have been doing since then. As regards the recovery of outstanding debts, applications have been made to each borrower and each surety in the arrear cases except those already in the hands of solicitors for collection, and those reported 777 by the late Trustees to be irrecoverable, which are being specially investigated. Up to to-day 15 borrowers out of some 70 have repaid their arrears. I have intimated to the hon. Member that I am happy to agree to his Return, with some slight modifications.
§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Why, notwithstanding the provisions of the Act 47 and 48 Vic. c. 21, which received the Royal Assent on the 3rd July last, no loans have yet been made by the Commissioners of Public Works, or the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries, to poor fishermen, in counties to which the Irish Reproductive Loan Fund Acts are not at present applicable; if pressing applitions for such have been made since the passing of that Act; and, if he will take the necessary steps to prevent further delays and great injury to these poor fishermen?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo fishery loans have yet been carried out under the Act in question, Some delay has been caused by reason of the necessary Rules not having been settled and passed by the Privy Council. I understand the Rules will be passed to-day. Any pending applications will be at once taken into consideration.