§ DR. TANNERI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is a fact that the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries have given their opinion that herring fishing on the Southern and South-western Coast of Ireland commences at too early a date, and that it ought not to be permitted prior to the 1st of June; whether they have stated that the fishing for herrings before this date results in great destruction of immature mackerel and hake, and that, as a consequence, there is a considerable decline in the mackerel and herring fisheries on these coasts; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government have recently promoted a Bill for the protection of the taking of seals in Behring's Sea, they will now take measures to prevent the extinction of a reproductive Irish fishery?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Inspectors of Irish Fisheries have made representations on the subject of the destruction of immature mackerel, and the matter is at present engaging the careful attention of the Government.
§ DR. TANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman take further advice, and see whether something cannot be done? The 1832 Inspectors have declared that the question is urgent.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is quite possible that the Inspectors have said the question is urgent, and I do not understand that there is any difference of opinion as to the damage done. The difficulty is how the damage is to be prevented.