HC Deb 24 February 1904 vol 130 cc850-1
MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state if coastguards in Ireland are required to take any, and, if so, what steps to prevent fishing boats from illegally trawling in their districts: and whether any change has been made in the coastguard regulations in this respect.

* THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARTHUR LEE,) Hampshire, Fareham

It is not the duty of the coastguard to take any active steps to prevent fishing boats from illegally trawling in their districts, but they are ordered to telegraph direct to the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, Dublin, intelligence of any cases of illegal trawling which ma)' come under their observation. No change has been made in the coastguard regulations in this respect.

MR. MACVEAGH

Is it not the fact that the trawling plant when seized is resold at a nominal figure? Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to secure its destruction in future cases?

* MR. ARTHUR LEE

I have no information as to that.

MR. MACVEAGH

I can assure the hon. Gentleman it is the case.