§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any steps are being taken to develop the herring fishing along the coast of Kerry and Cork.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BIRRELL,) Bristol, N.The Congested Districts Board have made loans for boats and gear for the fisheries on the coasts of Kerry and Cork, and have provided materials to the value of £9,372 for local coopers to make barrels for cured mackerel and herring. The 791 Board have also paid for the instruction of coopers in barrel making, and have given instruction locally in the curing of herrings. They have also made provision for erecting lights in Kenmare River in the coming year, for the benefit of the herring fishery. I gather that one of the chief difficulties in respect of the development of the herring fishery on the coasts of Kerry and Cork is that the mackerel fishery is there looked upon as being of greater importance, and the fishermen are generally engaged in it at the time when herrings visit the coast.
CAPTAIN CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the State aid given to the fishing on the Cork and Kerry coasts interferes by competition with the fisheries on the County Down coast, which do not receive any Government grant?
§ MR. BIRRELLI have not heard that before.
§ MR. BIRRELLI am quite willing to do so.