§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonI have to ask leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Acts relating to sea fisheries. I may explain that the Bill is one which has been before the House under another designation, which was open to considerable criticism. I think the present title is more appropriate. The object is to prevent the present destruction of small and immature fish, which, according to the Report of the Sea Fisheries Committees, can be used for no other purpose except that of manure. This object the Bill proposes to effect by prohibiting the sale of such fish, in accordance not only with the representation of the Fishmongers' Company, but with the recommendation of a Select Committee of the House of Commons. A law of this kind is in existence in nearly all the great European countries, and I am satisfied that if the supply of a very valuable food for the people is to be increased, it is necessary to follow the example of Continental Legislatures by limiting the size of fish that may be sold. At the same time it will put a stop to operations which are causing much injury to the various fisheries.
§ MR. MAURICE HEALY (Cork)Will the Bill apply to Ireland?
§ MR. RITCHIEYes.
§ Question proposed, that the Bill be now read a first time.
§ MR. TENNANT (Berwickshire)Does the Bill propose to place any restriction on the operations of trawlers within a certain distance of our coasts?
§ MR. RITCHIENo, except so far as it prevents them selling fish below a certain size.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ *MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member for Berwickshire has already spoken since the question was put. Further questions are very apt to develop into debate.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROnly, as the hon. Member for Cork did, while the right hon. Gentleman introducing the Bill sat down.
§ Bill to amend the Acts relating to Sea Fisheries, ordered to be brought in by Mr. Ritchie and Secretary Sir Matthew White Ridley.