HC Deb 24 August 1909 vol 9 cc2079-80

Order for second reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL

This is a Bill the first clause of which proposes to amend the law in regard to the holding of inquiries to fix the close season. The law of 1842 has proved very cumbrous for the purpose. There is no provision for money to pay the expenses of these inquiries, so that they are practically stopped. This Bill proposes to provide money for the holding of inquiries. That is the sole purpose of the first clause. The second clause deals with artificial propagation of salmon, or trout, or eels. Inasmuch as this is a contested clause, and as we have not been able to come to an agreement, I propose to leave it out, and confine the Bill to the first clause, amending the law as to holding inquiries.

Mr. M. JOYCE

When this Bill was read the first time I went very carefully into it, and I thought, on the face of it, that the second clause was a vicious clause, and that it would work to the detriment of many poor men in Ireland who followed the profession of fishermen. I made representations to that effect in the proper quarter, and I put down a blocking notice to the Bill. I am very glad to hear the statement of the Vice-President of the Department that he intends to drop that second clause altogether. I am at one with him in the desire to see a Bill such as the first clause carried into law, to enable inquiries, which for many years have not been held owing to want of funds. Therefore, with the permission of the House, I wish to withdraw any opposition.

Mr. E. H. CARLILE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to the amount of expense likely to arise under Clause 2?

Mr. RUSSELL

The expenses of the inquiries will be very small. We have power to make those who ask for the inquiry pay a share of the expenses.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House for to-morrow (Wednesday.)—[Mr. T. W. Russell.]