asked the Minister for Fisheries whether he is aware of the existence, in some fishery districts, of the practice of paying licence duty after the close of the fishing season, solely for the purpose of qualifying to vote in the election of boards of conservators; whether he has considered the effect of this practice on the interests of bona fide fishermen, by depriving them of due representation on the boards of conservators; and whether he proposes to take any action to make impossible such an abuse of the law.

I am aware that in one or two instances it has been alleged that fishery licences were taken out for the purpose of voting at elections of conservators. The matter has been considered but presents certain practical difficulties as the angling season is open in most districts, and the eel fishing season in all the districts at the time when the elections are being held. Any change of procedure would require fresh legislation.