§ MR. T. J. FARRELL (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that injury is being done by trawlers in Ballinskelligs Bay, county Kerry, by fish being prevented from entering the bay and the spawning grounds disturbed; whether local fishermen are greatly injured by trawlers in, the bay; and whether an inquiry has taken place in Ballinskelligs in October, 1897, in connection with, fishing; if so, why has not the decision come to by the Fishery Board been announced, as it is a matter of great importance to the fishermen?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI believe the facts are substantially as stated in the question. The Inspectors of Fisheries have proposed a bye-law prohibiting steam trawling in an area, which includes Ballinskelligs Bay, arm hiss bye-law is now under consideration by the Privy Council.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the Inspectors of Fisheries wish to prohibit trawling by bye-law?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, sir.
§ MR. M. J. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)When will a copy of the bye-law be issued, so that the fishermen of the district will know what it is proposed to do?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIt is now before the Privy Council. I cannot say when it will be issued.