§ 46. Mr. O'LEARYasked whether the Government propose to compensate poor fishermen on the South and West Coast of Cork who were deprived of their means of livelihood for at least six months by the restrictions on fishing imposed by the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn so far as compensation is properly payable to the fishermen referred to in the question, the matter will be one for inquiry and report by the Royal Commission set up for that purpose on the 31st March, 1915. I understand that application to that Commission has already been made by Irish fishermen similarly situated, and no doubt the Royal Commission will examine and report on the matter in due course. Of course, my hon. Friend must understand that I have no authority to express any opinion whatever as to the view that Commission may take as to whether the cases he now puts to me are such as properly call for any compensation. The principles upon which the Commission works are very clearly expressed in their first report, already published.