MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will lay upon the Table of the House a Return showing what legislation, if any, has been adopted by and now 3xists in France, Belgium, Holland, Prussia, and Denmark, respectively, with regard to the limits of size of sea-fish allowed to be caught, imported or ox-ported, possessed or sold, as well as the penalties, if any, imposed by such legislation, the conditions under which such penalties are incurred, and the date of each law included in the Return.
§ SIR CAMERON GULL (Devonshire, Barnstaple)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask if he will include in any such Return a statement whether the legislation referred to is strictly enforced in those countries.
§ MR. RITCHIEOne can hardly ask a foreign Government if the laws enacted in its country are strictly enforced. I am making inquiries through the Foreign Office, and will consider when I receive the replies how far I can supply the information desired by my hon. friend.
§ *SIR J. COLOMBWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire if there are any prosecutions in those countries?
§ MR. RITCHIEI think that is rather beyond the scope of our inquiries.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give us the information before proceeding with the Undersized Fish Bill?
§ MR. RITCHIEI cannot undertake anything of the kind. Whatever may be the regulations in force in other countries, they have nothing to do with the passing of this Bill.