§ MR. GERALD LODER (Brighton)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that very serious damage is constantly being done to the drift nets of the Brighton fishermen by steam trawlers, which also destroy large quantities of immature fish; and whether he is prepared to take effective measures to protect the fishing industry on this part of the coast?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) CroydonI am aware of complaints that injury has been caused to drift nets by trawlers off the coast of Sussex, but it does not appear that the drifters have taken the usual steps for identifying the boats alleged to have offended. Had they done so, they might, upon due proof, have obtained compensation under the Sea Fisheries Act 1883. It is the practice of the Admiralty to place a cruiser on this coast during the fishing season, and I understand that there is one there now; but the fishermen ought to do their part by supplying the necessary information and evidence.