§ MR. MILDMAY (Devon, Totnes)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Queen's Bench Division in the case of Coaker v. Hill, in which it was decided that the prosecution must fail, as a party aggrieved had no power under the Sea Fisheries Act to institute proceedings; and whether, as this would practically leave the crab-pot fishermen, whose living depends upon this industry, without redress for interferences with their crab-pots and gear, the Board of Trade will consider the advisability of amending the law so as to enable an injured party to prosecute, and in the meantime would instruct their officers to take the necessary steps to protect the Start Bay fishermen from infringements of the Act?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHMy attention has been called to the case to which the hon. Member refers. It raises a question which is one of considerable difficulty. I do not think I can under-take to propose an amendment of the law on this point alone, but the question as to 1364 what action it is advisable for the Board of Trade to take under the circumstances s receiving my careful consideration.