§ MR. SEXTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether a few days since, while certain fishermen were engaged in lawfully fishing for mackerel off Teelin Point, county Donegal, a water bailiff employed by a Mr. Musgrave pulled his boat into the middle of the net and cast anchor, thereby preventing the fishermen from drawing the net; whether the coastguards made any report of this proceeding to the Inspectors of Fisheries, and what action they have taken; and, whether, as the fishermen were not in a condition to provide the cost of legal proceedings, the Government will cause the Inspectors of Fisheries to take such pro- 1780 ceedings as may be necessary to recover in this case the penalty prescribed by 5 and C Vic. c. 100, sec. 28, as being incurred by any one who is guilty of obstructing persons lawfully engaged in fishing?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir WILLIAM HART DYKE)This case has been reported by the Coastguards to the Inspectors of Fisheries, who have pointed out that under the 28th section of the Act 5 & 0 Viet. c. 106, any person obstructing others lawfully engaged in fishing is liable on conviction to a penalty of £5. I am advised that the case is not one in which the Government should institute proceedings, the cost of which would be trivial.