§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that serious damage continues to be caused to the salmon fishing industry in the vicinity of Youghal, county Cork, by the number of seals which frequent Youghal Bay; and whether the Fishery Department of the Board of Agriculture will consider the desirability of offering substantial rewards for the destruction of the seals, or of taking some other prompt steps to deal with this evil.
§ MR. BIRRELLA substantial reward is given for the destruction of seals in Youghal Bay, namely £1 per head, of which half is paid by the Department of Agriculture and half by the local Board of Conservators. The chief haunt of the seals has been discovered in a cave, locally known as the Parliament House, a few miles from Youghal. This Parliament House is difficult of access, but the Department are considering whether some plan cannot be devised for the extirpation of its objectionable occupants.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steps taken have not reduced the number of seals? Will he increase the reward?
§ MR. BIRRELLI think £1 a head is a substantial sum, but I will consider whether it should be increased.