§ MR. W. FIELDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a steam launch has been repeatedly asked for and promised to protect the fishermen at Galway and other fishing ports from trawlers which trawl within the legal limits; and whether the Government will give equal protection to Irish fishermen as that afforded around the coasts of England and Scotland by coastguards and steam launches?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURApplications for a cruiser or gunboat to protect the fishermen at Galway and other fishing ports from trawlers which trawl within the legal limits have been made from time to time to the Irish Government. Where the circumstances of the case appeared to require it, application has been made by the Irish Government to the Admiralty, who have occasionally detailed gunboats and cruisers for duty in response to such requests. The question of sending vessels for the purpose rests entirely with the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. The coastguards have instructions in Ireland, as in England, to report any breaches of fishery laws which come to their knowledge.
§ MR. W. FIELDasked whether it was the intention of the Government to give the same facilities for the protection of fishermen around the coast of Ireland as were enjoyed at present by Scotch fishermen. Could not a steam launch or two be sent round the coast of Ireland?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI will consult the Admiralty on the subject.