Major MORRISON-BELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that one of His Majesty's cruisers has again been steaming through the fishing grounds off Beer Head; that during the week ending the 27th April no less than thirty-one crab pots have been destroyed, one man losing seven of these on one day; that in consequence of previous loss it was agreed that His Majesty's ships should not manœuvre over a certain limited area, as laid down by the Admiralty themselves; and if, in paying full compensation to these fishermen, he will give instructions to the commanders of His Majesty's ships for the future to keep outside the line that the Admiralty themselves have laid down?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is difficult to verify the circumstances as stated in the lion, and gallant Member's question without fuller particulars. No agreement as indicated in the question has been made by the Admiralty restricting the movements of His Majesty's ships in the vicinity, nor is such an agreement contemplated. If full particulars of the cases of damage referred to are forwarded, the circumstances will be investigated and each case decided on its merits.