§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a number of fish buyers intimated their desire to assemble at Arran, Cleggan, Blacksod, and other places during the mackerel season for the purpose of buying fish from the boats under the management of the Congested Districts Board, but found no opportunity of purchase owing to the fact that the boats are tied to a certain contractor at fixed prices, and will the Board change this system in future seasons so as to open these fishing stations to competing buyers with a view to obtain higher prices for the fishermen.
§ MR. WYNDHAMYes, Sir; the facts are as stated in the first paragraph. The arrangement referred to was made by the Board in order that the fishermen should be guaranteed a good price throughout the season.
§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state on what duty or duties are the steamers of the Congested 931 Districts Board engaged, and, in view of the prices now obtained for fish on the west coast, whether the Board wil utilise these steamers for conveying fish to suitable markets during the mackerel season.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThere is but one steamer at the disposal of the Board. It is usually employed in carrying fish barrels, timber, cement, fishing nets and gear. It also occasionally conveys members of the Board on tours of inspection, and at other times is employed in the work of protecting the fisheries. It is not intended to utilise her in carrying fresh fish.