MR. O'KEEFFE (Limerick)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, assuming it to be his intention to re-introduce the Shannon Drainage Bill this Session, if he pro- 514 posed to borrow a sum of £65,000 on the security of the tolls and eel fisheries of said river; if he is aware that the Government title to those eel weirs is at present a matter of contention before the Superior Courts of Law in Ireland; if complaints have been made to the Irish Government of serious destruction of fry and trout by eel weirs between Killaloe and Limerick; and if any steps will be taken to prevent such injuries?
§ *MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Shannon Drainage Bill proposes to raise £65,000, on the security of navigation toils and rents of mills, lands, and eel fisheries. The question of title to the eel weirs does not form part of the suit alluded to, though damages are sought on the grounds of enlargements or enhancement of the eel weirs. Complaints, as stated in the question, were made, but are considered wholly groundless, as the eel fishing is only carried on at periods when the fish are not migrating towards the sea.