§ MR. CREAN (Cork, S. E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Commissioners of Fisheries, in 1892, after examining witnesses in England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ireland, recommended that for the protection of the mackerel fishery, both as regards its future prospects and the facilities of carrying it on, and for the protection of the other sea fisheries in the South of Ireland, a close season for the herring should be established off the 1170 coast of the county of Cork from Poor Head to Mizen Head from the 1st of April to 16th May in each year; if so, will he say whether these and other recommendations of the Commissioners have been carried out; and; if not, in face of the danger to this important industry and the repeated protests of those interested in the mackerel fishery, what action the Government intend taking in the matter.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe inspectors reported to the effect stated, but added that they had no powers to make a close season order of the nature indicated. The Department are arranging to hold another inquiry at Kinsale into this and other fishery questions which have arisen.
§ MR. CREANIf statutory powers are necessary, will the right hon. Gentleman introduce a Bill giving them next session,
§ MR. WALTER LONGOh, I can make no promises for next session.