§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, considering the unsatisfactory state of the control and supervision of the Lough Neagh fisheries and in view of the divergent interests of fishermen in different parts of the lough, he will consider the desirability of appointing an expert Commission to investigate the matter, and to advise as to the best methods of regulating the fisheries.
MR. BRYCEIn the opinion of the Department of Agriculture no necessity exists for the appointment of a Commission as suggested. Speaking generally, the divergent interests of the Lough. Neagh fisherman are represented on the Board of Conservators for the district of 567 Coleraine, who are partly elected and partly ex-officio. The Board are well qualified to suggest any regulations that may be necessary to harmonise the different interests, so far as may be possible, and the Department of Agriculture are ready to give consideration to any suggestions coming from the Board, and to render all assistance in their power. Investigations into the fisheries of Lough Neagh have been made from time to time by the Department and their predecessors, with the result that an extensive series of by-laws is in operation.