§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether he will direct the Coastguards stationed in Cork Harbour to assist in preventing the illegal drift-net fishing which has of late been practised on the tidal waters of the Lee?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The Coastguards stationed in Cork Harbour have orders to watch and report to the Conservators any illegal drift-net fishing which may come under their notice. The Admiralty have repeatedly refused to employ the Coastguards or cruisers to prevent the alleged illegal drift-net fishing in the tidal waters of the Lee, as any protection that may be required should be provided by the Civil authorities, the duty of the Navy being limited, so far as fishing rights are concerned, to keeping order between foreign and British fishing boats frequenting the sea-fishing grounds.