§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to Article LXXXV. of the Schedule of the 6 and 7 Vic. c. 79, which prohibits French fishing vessels from approaching within three miles of the British or Irish coasts except when driven in by stress of weather or contrary winds, whether that article is still in force; and, if so, whether such vessels are prohibited by this Article from entering British or Irish harbours for the purpose of selling their fish?
§ MR. RITCHIEThe Article is part of a treaty arrangement with France, and as such has not been abrogated; but statutory authority is needful for enforcing it in this country. The Act mentioned did for many years give such authority. Its provisions on this head were, however, repealed by the Sea Fisheries Act, 1883, to Sections 24 and 30 of which I may refer the hon. and gallant Member.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANMay I ask whether these French fishing vessels are liable to pay harbour dues?
§ MR. RITCHIEI must ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to put the Question on the paper.