§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that inquiries have been received from American buyers as to whether large-sized mackerel are caught off the Irish coast, and that the large-sized Norwegian mackerel are caught with hook and line far from the coast and cured on board the vessels specially fitted out; and whether the Congested Districts Board will fit out a vessel, supply her with a crew, barrels, and salt, discover whether these large-sized mackerel are to be found at a distance from the Irish coast as well 1829W as from that of Norway, and enable private enterprise subsequently to exploit the industry?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension in thinking that large-sized mackerel are caught off the Irish coast in very large numbers by Norwegian fishermen. On the contrary, only 2 per cent. of Norwegian exported fish are, as far as the Congested Districts Board can ascertain, of the large size referred to. The large Norwegian mackerel are chiefly caught with all other sizes mixed, in Seine nets, not by line. If any Irish crew would be willing to go to sea and remain there for about eight weeks, as the Norwegians do, the Board would co-operate with such crew in the experiment suggested in the question.