§ SIR T. ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the statements in the last Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries, to the effect that though there were large shoals of mackerel off Minard in October last the fishermen were unable to capture them owing to their want of proper nets, and also that the Minard fishermen were unable to take advantage of the spring herring fishing owing to the severity of the weather; and whether, under the circumstances, the Fishery Board will grant these fishermen a loan to provide themselves with the necessary gear, and also have a small pier constructed to enable them to carry on their industry in safety?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne)The Inspectors of Fisheries report that in 1892, and again in the present year, loans were applied for, and granted, for the purchase of nets and gear by fishermen at Minard. The Inspectors will grant a loan for this purpose to any fisherman living in a non-congested district, who is prepared to comply with the rules under which such loans are made. The necessary forms of application are supplied by the Department of the Inspectors of Fisheries. The Inspectors, however, have no funds at their disposal out of which a loan could be made for the erection of a pier.