§ 57. Mr. DORISasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if complaints have reached him that Government (steam) patrol boats have for months past been continuously trawling in Clew Bay, in consequence of which no fish are caught by local fishermen, a number of whose spillers or fishing tackle have been cut up and rendered useless by the trawlers; are the crews of these steam patrol boats subject to the fishery by-laws which provide that no steam or motor boat shall trawl within three miles west of Achill and Clare Islands; and, if so, will he have steps taken to have the law in this respect complied with in future and the local fishermen compensated for the damages they have sustained by the illegal trawling referred to?
§ Mr. DUKENo such complaints have been made to me. The fishery by-law prohibiting steam trawling in Clew Bay inside Clare Island, is binding on all persons. I am informed that there are no by-laws prohibiting trawling within three miles of West Achill and Clare Island. I have brought the matter under the notice of the Board of Admiralty.