§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any action has been taken on the conduct of foreign steam trawlers in Dingle Lay on the night of 15th June; whether, seeing that they not only fished within the line but chased and tried to run down a local sailing fishing smack, and that a statement was made to the coastguards giving the numbers on the boats, steps will at once be taken to punish the owners of these trawlers.
§ MR. ATKINSONThe occurrences in question have been carefully investigated by the new Department but no evidence is forthcoming sufficient to sustain a prosecution for illegal trawling within the prohibited area.
† See page 410.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLSeeing that the lives of fishermen were endangered and that the numbers on the boats were given cannot further inquiry be made?
§ MR. ATKINSONThe matter has been investigated by the Department of Agriculture, but the evidence of the fishermen is not sufficiently definite.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for years, along the west coast of Kerry—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order.
§ MR. FLAVINThen arising out of the Question—
§ MR. SPEAKERThat does not make it any better.
§ MR. FLAVINI want to know what steps the Government are going to take to protect the fishermen on the west coast? Cannot they spare a gunboat?
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member can bring that matter up on the Estimates.