§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (The Earl of DUDLEY) moved the Second Reading of this Bill. He explained that, with the exception of one or two verbal alterations, it was practically the same Bill which passed through the House last year without any opposition and with very little discussion. Its object was, by making illegal the sale of undersized fish, to deter trawlers and other fishermen from frequenting those grounds where small undersized fish abounded. It was, of course, impossible to prevent the catching of such fish, but it was hoped that by preventing their sale the fishermen would be deterred from going to those quarters in which they were found. The Bill gave effect to the sense of the recommendation of Lord Tweedmouth's Committee—["hear, hear!"]—and it was regarded with favour by many of the fishing bodies throughout the country.
§ Read 2a (according to Order), and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Friday the 18th instant.