Captain FABERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state why his Department refuses to examine diseases of fish supposed to be poisoned by tar from roads when taken from a private pond; and whether only fish from public rivers or ponds are examined?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt did not appear in the case to which I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers that the matter was of sufficient public interest to justify any considerable expenditure of time and money in the institution of scientific investigations, but an examination of the fish was in fact made with results which were communicated to the Board's correspondent. The Board have no information as to the situation of the pond from which the fish were taken, but I shall be glad to consider whether any further assistance can be given if the local fishery board communicate with me on the subject.
Captain FABERIs it not the fact that trout are being poisoned continually by tar running off the roads, and is it not important to inquire?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf there are any cases of the kind brought to my notice I shall be glad to inquire into them.