§ Mr. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, during the inquiry regarding the misconduct of foreign steam trawlers in Dingle Bay in June last, the crew of the boat which was chased and was in danger of being run down were consulted; and, if not, whether further inquiries will be made and steps taken to punish the offending boats, and to prevent a repetition of their offence.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The crew of the boat in question were not, I am informed, consulted, but the inspector had before him the written statement of the master of the boat. As I have already stated, the Department, upon a consideration of the facts elicited by the inspector, did not consider that the evidence forthcoming would sustain a prosecution for illegal trawling on the occasion. If, however, the hon. Member is in a position to supply me with fresh facts in the case I shall be happy to communicate them to the Department.