HC Deb 07 January 1913 vol 46 c1010
82. Mr. MOUNT

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the recommendations made in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Irish Inland Fisheries, he proposes to take any steps to place some limitation on drift-netting at sea, either in respect of the number of nets to be licensed or as regards the length of such nets?

Mr. RUSSELL

In the absence of the Chief Secretary I have been asked to answer the question addressed to him. The Department propose, as occasion demands, to place restrictions on the use at sea of drift nets for salmon. By-laws proposing to impose such restrictions in the Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Lundonderry, Coleraine and Ballycastle fishery districts have been made by the Department, and are now before the Lord Lieutenant in council for confirmation or rejection.

Mr. HORNER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these drift nets have a length of 1,600 yards, and that such nets effectually block up the mouths of the rivers?

Mr. RUSSELL

The matter is for the consideration of the Lord Lieutenant.