§ MR. SHEEHY (Meath, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the close season for salmon fishing begins on 5th August for the No.17 (1) (Drogheda) district, whilst that for No. 17 (2) (Dundalk) does not begin until October; and whether, seeing that these districts extend respectively south and north of the mouth of the Boyne, and that complaints have been repeatedly made as to the destruction of spawning fish approaching the Boyne along the 17 (2) district, and the consequent reduction of spring fish in the river, the Department of Agriculture has powers to unite these two districts and fix on the same date for the commencement of the close season for bath; and, if not, what steps, if any, are to be taken to find if the complaints are valid, and, if so, to remove the cause.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe close season for salmon netting in tidal waters commences in the Drogheda district on the 5th August, in that part of the Dundalk district which adjoins the Drogheda district, on the 20th August, and in other parts of the Dundalk district on 16th September and 1st October respectively. In the present state of the law, the Department is unable to alter existing close seasons. The amalgamation of the districts, even if carried out, would not have the effect of assimilating the close seasons in the two districts.
In reply to a further Question by the hon. Member, Mr. WYNDHAM said he could not undertake to initiate legislation in the question this session.