§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Postmaster-General if he can state what steps have been taken, in view of the approach of the spring fishing season, to protect the transatlantic cables with their shore ends at Waterville, Ballinskelligs, and Valentia, respectively, from the damage caused in previous seasons by steam trawlers; what system of inspection, if any, of the trawling gear has been adopted; and whether the cable companies have been satisfied that the proposed precautions are adequate?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The system of inspection of trawling gear, recommended by the Committee which considered this question in 1908, is now in regular operation at the ports concerned throughout the United Kingdom. I understand that the system is working smoothly, and that the trawlers generally are showing readiness to give effect to the representations, of the inspectors of the Fisheries Departments when they point out that the gear is likely to injure submarine cables. Though the cable companies would naturally prefer more stringent measures, I have no reason to believe that they are dissatisfied with the working of the system.