HC Deb 28 June 1900 vol 84 cc1349-50
MR. FLAVIN

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland whether he is aware that loss and injury has from time to time been inflicted on the owners and fishermen engaged in mackerel fishing off the west coast of Kerry, especially in the Cahirciveen and the Shannon mouth districts, by the illegal interference of trawlers; and whether there is any bye-law in existence in those districts for the better protection of the fishing boats engaged in the fishing industry; and, if not, will instructions be given to the Fishery Board to hold such inquiry as may be deemed advisable, with the object of making such necessary bye-laws.

THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR IRELAND (Mr. PLUNKETT,) Dublin Co., S.

There is no bye-law in force prohibiting trawling in the mouth of the Shannon, and no application for a bye-law has ever been received. If, however, an application be made to the Department by persons interested and who are in a position to give evidence on the subject, an inquiry will be hold as soon as practicable. With regard to trawling in the other waters referred to in the question, namely, between Dunmore Head and Scariff Island, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's previous question of Monday last on the same subject.

MR. FLAVIN

Is it not the fact that complaints were made to the captain of the gunboat "Argus," and that he was asked to prevent this illegal trawling, but he found he could not interfere because there was no bye-law in existence? Were not the inspectors then set on to make inquiry?

MR. PLUNKETT

I believe the Fishery Inspectors are making further inquiry.