§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lietenant of Ireland, whether any report has been received by the Irish Government from the Scotch Fishery Board on the question of the Crown Brand for cured fish; and, if so, whether he will state the nature of it; whether any overtures have been made by the Irish Fishery Inspectors in regard to the appointment of an inspector for branding purposes; and, if such appointment is to be made, whether these traders, who are practically acquainted with the mackerel curing industry, will be consulted with a view to the selection of a practical competent man.
MR. J. MORLEYThe Irish Government consulted the Scotch Fishery Board on certain points connected with the consideration of the question of establishing a Government brand in Ireland for cured mackerel. The nature of the reply from that Board is generally in favour of a brand. No overtures have been made by the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries in regard to the appointment of an inspector for branding purposes. As regards the third paragraph, I have already stated that there is no intention of adding to the number of Fishery Inspectors. If at any time the necessary legislation should be introduced by Government to enable a brand to be applied, there would doubtless be some subordinate officers appointed, but any consideration of the appointments would now be altogether premature.
§ MR. FLYNNMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the memorial presented by the Cork and Kerry Mackerel Curers' Association stated that not one of the present fishery inspectors was acquainted with the mackerel curing industry?
MR. J. MORLEYThe question has been considered, not merely by the fishery inspectors, but by the Irish Government, apart from the inspectors.