§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has seen a statement from the Ballyhack, Passage East, Arthurs-town, and Duncannon fishermen relative to the destruction of salmon by seals in Waterfowl Harbour, and the consequent injury of the fishermen's livelihood; is he aware that heretofore the increase of seals in the harbour was kept in check by one of the fishermen who carried a rifle in his boat and was a good marksman; is there any objection at present to allow this man to furnish himself with a rifle and ammunition 262W for the express purpose of shooting seals; and, if so, will the Department appoint some person to do it, or employ some means for the destruction of the seals that are ruining the salmon fishery?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first two queries is in the negative. The possession and use of firearms is a matter over which the Department have no control. For a number of years the Department have contributed half the amount of rewards paid by the Waterford Conservators for the destruction of seals. They are not prepared to employ a person to shoot seals in this locality.