§ CAPTAIN DONELANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that steam trawlers still continue their depredations in Irish waters; and, whether any arrangement has yet been made with the Admiralty with a view to the prevention of this practice.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURThe reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. As regards the question of securing the services of a gunboat to prevent these depredations, I am afraid I have nothing to add to the statement made by me in this matter on the 24th July last, when the Agricultural and Technical Instruction Bill was under discussion. A special vessel for the purpose is, in the opinion of the Irish Government, essential for effective action, and I hope it may be found possible to deal more successfully with the evil under the provisions of the Act of last session.