§ MR. BOLANDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement, on page 25 of the latest Consular Report from Chicago, to the effect that, as a result of a visit of an official of the Irish Congested Districts Board, the importation of Irish mackerel into Chicago has increased from £550 in 1902 to £8,197 in 1905; and whether, with a view to the further development of the export of Irish mackerel to America, he will take steps to have this information circulated in the fishing districts of the West Coast, and to secure the adoption of a brand for Irish cared fish, with a view to maintaining the position now held by it in the American market.
MR. BRYCEThe official in question was sent in the year 1901 by the Department of Agriculture to visit and report on those American markets in which Irish cured mackerel and herrings are sold. As a result, the Department have been able to bring Irish curers and American buyers into touch with each other. Irish curers generally are well aware of the market for their fish which exists in Chicago. The official above referred to also reported that a Government brand for Irish mackerel consigned to America would possess no value. The principal curers in Ireland, who were consulted, were not in favour of such a brand.