37. Sir GILBERT PARKERasked whether, in view of the fact that notice has only been given to the fishermen of the Thames regarding the prohibition of stow-boat fishing on the eve of the season after the fishermen have undergone considerable expense in the renewal of their gear, the prohibition will be suspended at least for this year, and so prevent hardship from falling upon a class of working man who earns a meagre living?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)This question should have been addressed to the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. The notice to which the hon. Member refers was issued by the Port of London Authority for the purpose of drawing the attention of fishermen to a by-law which has been in force since the year 1895, and could only be altered by the making of a new by-law. The Board have no authority to intervene in the matter, but they will be glad to consider any representations which the fishermen may make to them with respect to it.