§ MR. MAINS (Donegal, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a notice recently issued by the Foyle and Bann Fishery Company (lessees of the Honourable the Irish Society), warning fishermen against fishing in the tidal waters of the River Foyle; whether he is aware that the right to fish in these waters has been enjoyed by the public for a long time, and is the only means of support of about 300 families; and if the notice in question is justified by law?
MR. J. MORLEYThe Inspectors of Fisheries report that in 1866 and subsequent years injunctions were granted by the Court of Chancery and the Rolls Court restraining persons from trespass- 348 ing on this fishery; but that reasonable facilities for the capture of fish other than salmon and salmon trout have been granted by the Company. It appears that the notice complained of in the question was served on three persons only, because they, with others, had trespassed on the fishery for no other purpose than to kill salmon, and that it was with the intention of putting a stop to this practice, and not with the intention of hampering the fishermen in any way, that the Company took action.