HC Deb 15 July 1889 vol 338 cc389-91
MR. COX

I wish to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland if he has received a copy of a resolution unanimously adopted by the Limerick Fishery Conservators at their meeting on the 4th instant, in which the Limerick Board of Conservators state that they have time after time declared unanimously, both at monthly meetings and at meetings specially convened, to consider the probable result to their fisheries of the Shannon Drainage Bill in its present form, and of the working of the sluices at Killaloe, that, in their opinion, the Shannon Drainage Bill will ruin the fisheries, and, further, that it has been proved to them that through the injudicious working of the sluices at Killaloe, much harm has already resulted to the fisheries; and, what reply, if any, he has sent to the resolution of the Board?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) University of Dublin

I have received a copy of a resolution to the effect mentioned in the question. In my reply to the Secretary of the Board of Conservators, I stated that my answer in this House to the question put to me on the subject was founded on information officially supplied by the Board of Works; that it was plain that a difference of opinion existed between the Board of Works and the Board of Conservators as to the effect of the drainage works on the fisheries; and that the Conservators would have a full opportunity of putting forward their view of the case before the Select Committee to which the Drainage Bill would be referred on its passing a Second Reading in this House.

MR. COX

After the conflicting statements which have been made is it not desirable that there should be an independent inquiry?

MR. MADDEN

The case is one which must be decided by the Select Committee.

MR. MAC NEILL

May I ask the Chief Secretary whether, as far back as November, 1888, he did not receive a memorial stating that the proposed drainage works would involve the wholesale destruction of the salmon fry?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot answer off-hand any question as to a memorial presented in 1888. I may add that although I introduced the Drainage Bill, all questions relating to the proposed works should in future be addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury.