MOTION FOR A SELECT COMMITTEE. (Hansard, 21 February 1893)

§ SIR ALBERT ROLLIT (Islington, S.)

said, the following Motion stood on the Paper in his name:— That a Select Committee be appointed to consider the expediency of prohibiting the landing and sale of under sized flat-fish. He understood that the principle and object of his Motion was approved and was accepted by the Government, and that being so he would not press the Resolution on the attention of the House. He wished to say, however, that in the opinion of many the fisheries were being injured by the landing and sale of immature fish, and as other nations, particularly Belgium and Denmark, had passed laws for the preservation of the harvest of the sea, England ought to consider the expediency of doing the same.

§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

I am glad the hon. Member has taken this course, and I will only say that we consider the scope of his Motion too limited. A wider inquiry is necessary, and we are prepared to nominate a Committee to deal with the subject, not only as affecting this country but also as affecting Scotland and Ireland. On that Committee we will have the aid of the experienced officers of the Fishery Boards of Ireland, England and Scotland, and I think we shall have the support of all parts of the House in the appointment of the inquiry.

Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,