§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the spring mackerel fishing will commence in about a week's time, and that the s.s. "Helga" was unable to protect the whole coast of Ireland from the depredations of steam trawlers fishing outside legal limits, he would arrange to charter two fast-steaming trawlers on a time charter of three months, equipped with a crew of Irish sailors or of Irish Naval Reserve men, in order that the illegal operations of the steam trawlers may be put an end to during the coming season?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe funds at present at the disposal of the Department of Agriculture in Ireland for fisheries would not permit of their carrying out the proposal. With the resources at their command they have succeeded in suppressing illegal trawling to a very great extent, especially since the passing of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Act.
§ Mr. BOLANDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware of the steps which have been taken in Scotland to deal with the matter, and whether we in Ireland cannot have the same protection?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that the amount of protection given in Ireland is 590 more satisfactory than that given in Scotland. I am not in a position to say that I can add to the resources of the Board of Agriculture.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have said that it is more satisfactory in Ireland than in Scotland.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have only one cruiser in Ireland, whereas they have three cruisers in Scotland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI really do not think that the complaints in Ireland are very great. I quite admit that if the Board had more money at their disposal they could make it more difficult for the trawlers to act illegally.
§ Mr. MALCOLMWould the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Admiralty and see if he could arrange with them?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWe have been communicating with the Admiralty.