The MARQUESS of CLANRICARDE, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, said that this was a subject which had for a long time occupied the attention of the people of Ireland. He thought that this Bill treated the question in the only manner in which it could be successfully treated, and he hoped that it would be unanimously agreed to. The fisheries in Ireland were of considerable value, and furnished employment to several thousands of the lower classes. The increased value that would be given to them under an improved system of management would be immense. The fisheries in Ireland did not belong to individuals, but for the most part to the public. The proposition to carry on the fisheries by means of voluntary assessment had been tried, but had failed, and it, therefore, became necessary for the Government to take up the subject. The fisheries were to be placed under the guardianship of a board of conservators, to be elected by persons possessing the qualifications set forth in the measure.
§ LORD MONTEAGLEwas sorry to be obliged to oppose the Motion of the noble Marquess. He believed that if this Bill had been proposed for any other part of the empire but Ireland, it would not for one instant be entertained. He concurred with his noble Friend that it was of the greatest importance to preserve this great national interest. He thought the measure proposed a most unjust one. Heretofore, when dealing with property, property was considered to be the first qualification. In the Bill proposed, the qualification was simply the possession of a single fishing-rod. Any person choosing to register a fishing-rod, and to take out a license for one pound, became qualified to vote at the election of conservators. Although a man possessed the right of fishery under a grant from the Crown, he might be subject to a tax of 15l., under this Bill, for every weir he used. It was true that that sum was only mentioned as the maximum; but by this Bill they would be leaving to the representatives of fishing-rods the great power of declaring what the sum to be paid ought to be. He objected to the power proposed to be given to the conservators over the weirs and the rivers, the beds of which might be altered in anyway they might think fit to order. He would abandon his opposition to this Bill if it were shown that it was authorised by the Commissioners. He asked their Lordships 190 to suspend their decision upon it until early next Session, fer the purpose of procuring the opinion of the Commissioners upon it. This delay could cause no inconvenience, inasmuch as the first meeting of conservators under the Bill was appointed for the 1st July 1849.
The EARL of GLENGALLbelieved, that there was not a single proprietor of a fishery nor lessee, who did not give his cordial assent to this Bill. A deputation, composed of Members of Parliament, had waited some time ago on the Prime Minister upon this subject, entreating him to introduce this Bill into Parliament, however late the Session might be. He (the Earl of Glengall) thought the measure a most valuable one, and hoped his noble Friend would not persevere in his opposition to it.
§ Bill read 2a.
§ House adjourned.