§ Mr. FETHERSTONHAUGHasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that the Inishkea islanders do not fish for lobsters near Inishkea, but in Blacksod Bay, and even more so in Broadhaven, between Erris Head and Rinroe Point; that the white fish and small shell fish industry of Inishkea has been ruined by the whale fishery; is he aware that all the profitable employment in connection with the whale fishery is monopolised by Norwegians; is he aware that the island is in a filthy and unsanitary state, caused by the offal of decaying whales; and, in view of these circumstances, does he propose to take any steps to prevent the additional whaling station in the land-locked waters of Blacksod Bay from becoming a grave nuisance to the inhabitants of the surrounding shores?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThe Department are aware that the Inishkea islanders fish successfully for lobsters amongst the Inishkea Islands and in the immediate neighbourhood of the whaling station. The Department are not aware that the white fish industry at Inishkea has in any way suffered from the effects of the whale fishery, or that the shell-fish industry has been affected except on that part of the islet of Rusheen occupied by the factory. A sum of nearly £900 has been paid in wages to the Inishkea islanders who were employed at the whaling station this season, the rate of wages being in most cases £1 per week. From an inspection of Inishkea Island made by the Department's officers near the close of the recent whaling season the island did not appear to be in the condition described in the question. The Department are taking all suitable steps to see that the industry is conducted on proper sanitary lines.