§ MR. SHEEHAN (Cork County, Mid.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board make it a condition of letting their fish-curing stations on the west coast to fish buyers for the autumn season that the prices paid by buyers must be approved by the Board; if so, will he explain the necessity for it; has objection been made to this condition by any buyer on the ground that it interfered with freedom of bargaining with the fishermen; how many applications have been made for the stations at Porturlin county Mayo; did Mr. S. G. Gott occupy one of these last year; if so, under what conditions; and have any negotiations passed between him and the Board for a sub-letting during the forthcoming autumn.
§ MR. WYNDHAMSuch a condition is imposed by the Board. The object is to protect the fishermen against unfair prices being fixed by a merchant who virtually enjoys a monopoly by reason of his having acquired from the Board the only available curing station in the district. No buyer has objected to the condition on the ground stated. Two applications were received this year for the station at Porturlin. Mr. Gott signed the agreement last year; he declined to do so this season.