§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he could state the result of his communications with the Admiralty on the subject of providing additional protection for the Irish fishing industry against the illegal operations of steam trawlers during the coming fishing season; had the Admiralty an option on a number of large steam trawlers for the North Sea in the event of an outbreak of war; and, if so, whether, in the event of the Admiralty not agreeing to detach special cruisers for the protection of the Irish fishing interests, he would represent to the proper authorities the advisability of chartering one or more of these trawlers for the protection of the fishing industry in peace time?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)It is not the duty of the Admiralty to enforce the provisions of fishery by-laws which restrict or prohibit 1493 steam trawling. The Admiralty protect territorial waters from encroachment by foreigners, and for this and other purposes the Rear-Admiral Commanding in Ireland has vessels under his command and has always given prompt response to requests made by the Department in connection with fishery matters. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.
§ Mr. BOLANDCan the right hon. Gentleman say what has been the result of the communications to the Admiralty to which he referred in his answer last week?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo. I advised the Admiralty rather for the purpose of giving them information.