§ Mr. ESSLEMONTasked what is the nature and the aid given by the Congested Districts Board to the Donegal fishermen at Downing's Bay; and if this aid includes assistance in the sale and marketing of fish?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board assist fishermen at Downings and other fishing centres in their administrative district by supplying boats and gear on the loan and share systems. The Board's officers at Downings sell by public auction all fish landed at that port from their share boats, and a deduction of 2½ per cent. is made 1487W from the earnings to be divided among the crews for this service. Crews who have purchased their boats, either by loan or by the operation of the share system, are free to avail of this opportunity of disposing of their catches on the same terms.