§ MR. HENEAGE (Great Grimsby)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to give any further information with regard to the North Sea Fisheries Convention; and what steps are being taken to carry out the North Sea Fisheries Act of last year?
§ THE PRESIDENT OK THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideThe Convention of 1887 for dealing with the liquor traffic amongst fishermen in the North Sea, as modified by the relative Protocol of last year, was ratified on the 11th of last month. The Protocol provides that the Convention shall come into force six weeks after ratification; and notice has accordingly been given in pursuance of Section 10 of the North Sea Fisheries Act, 1893, the Act for giving effect to the Convention on the part of this country, that the Act will come into force on the 23rd instant. The requisite executive steps are being taken, with the co-operation of the Admiralty, for ensuring the enforcement of the Act.
* MR. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, then, if it is a fact that after the 23rd of May English vessels in the North Sea will be liable to be stopped and, if he deems it necessary, 375 taken into port by a subordinate officer in the Belgian or in any other Navy?
§ MR. MUNDELLAAny vessel contravening International Regulations will be liable to be dealt with under the Act. MR. GIBSON BOWLES: My question is: Has a subordinate officer of any Navy power to stop and seize any English vessel?
§ MR. MUNDELLASubject to Regulations made by the Admiralty.
§ MR. MUNDELLAYes, they are.