§ MR. HUGH LAW: (Donegal, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that certain Scotch herring curers have been accustomed to use the name of Downings Bay, in county Donegal, as a brand for herrings not captured or cured in Ireland; and that, in seeking to gain the prices usually paid for Donegal fish,, they have endangered the reputation of a special Irish product in the markets on the Continent; and whether the Irish Government will take any steps to put an end to this practice.
MR. BRYCEThe Department of Agriculture have received information to the effect that certain curers in Scotland have recently adopted the practice mentioned in the Question; and the matter is now being investigated.
§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman re-consider the matter seeing that the use of an Irish brand would put a stop to this practice on the part of Scottish curers?
MR. BRYCEAs far as the Department can ascertain the Irish fish curers are not favourable to having a brand, but 733 if it can be shown that they desire it, I will reconsider the matter.