HC Deb 31 March 1885 vol 296 c1094
MR. O'BRIEN

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Whether it is legal for a Board of Fishery Conservators to issue rod licences free; and, if so, in virtue of what statute and section?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

Boards of Conservators are not under the control of the Government. It seems to me questionable whether they are not bound to account in their funds for the duty on all licences issued by them, whether money passed or not. I am not aware how they act under such circumstances, and we have no authority to inquire.

MR. O'BRIEN

asked for a distinct statement as to whether the practice was illegal?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALICER)

That seems to depend on a state of facts of which I have no knowledge.

MR. CALLAN

As Chairman of the Committee now inquiring into this matter, is not the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that these licences are not legal unless the Board of Conservators account for the amount of licences with their clerk?

[No reply.]