§ COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if any step has yet been taken to meet the wishes of the Galway fishermen, by excluding trawlers from the whole or part of Galway Bay; and, if the precedent lately set, by excluding trawlers from the Firth of Forth, will be followed in Ireland?
§ MR. P. M'DONALD (Sligo, N.)had also the following question on the Paper:—To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, what has been the result of the recent inquiry into the system of trawling in Sligo and Killala Bays; whether the Commissioners recommended its discontinuance; and, whether trawlers are permitted to fish in other waters on the British Coast.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)The Inspectors of Fisheries are engaged upon a general inquiry on the subject of trawling on various parts of the coast, and they state that until their inquiry is complete they cannot come to any decision with regard to any particular bay. They have, therefore, not as yet made any recommendation with regard to the bays mentioned in these Questions. Speaking generally, the Inspectors inform me that they think no evidence has been given that would justify them in recommending the prohibition of trawling: but the hon. and gallant Member (Colonel Nolan) was good enough to bring under my notice the other evening some important information with reference to Galway Bay. I will communicate with the Inspectors as to this, and take care that the matter is not lost sight of.