§ Mr. GINNELLnext asked why the Congested Districts Board for Ireland made no 1352W provision against a week's stoppage of the fishing industry off the Aran Isles in the middle of the best season for that industry; why any necessary inspection of the steamer was not made either before or after the short fishing season; if this was impossible, why the sailing and motor boats idle in Galway Bay were not requisitioned during the time of inspection; why the cable, which is essential for the prompt marketing of the fish, is still kept inoperative; and why fishing, which is maintained as an essential industry in England, is being destroyed in Ireland in the interest of recruiting?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe position of the Congested Districts Board as regards the Galway Bay Steamer Service is that they make an annual grant in aid of the service, but they have no further liability. The Galway Steamer Company informed the Board of the arrangements proposed for the annual inspection of the "Dun Aengus" by the Board of Trade surveyor, and such arrangements were approved, as they appeared to provide as far as possible against loss or inconvenience. The date of the survey is believed to be fixed according to general rules of the Board of Trade. The Congested Districts Board do not now own any steamer or motor-boat, so that they could not lend such a vessel during the short time when the "Dun Aengus" would be under survey; nor have the Board any power to requisition vessels owned by other bodies or persons. The Congested Districts Board understand that the engagements of the Telegraph Cable steamer have made it impossible so far to repair the Galway and Aran Isles cable.