asked the Minister for Agriculture why the estimate for the Lismore Board of Conservators was sent back altered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lismore Conservators' Estimate.
The estimate to which the Deputy refers was modified by me in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries Act, 1925, as it contained certain items of proposed expenditure which I considered to be excessive.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his action was unprecedented inasmuch as he altered the figures in the estimate?
The reason for the alteration was to preserve the finances of the board in a satisfactory condition for the purposes of fishery protection. The amount carried forward last year was £1,225. This year, as a result of these items, the sum to be carried forward would amount to only £762. That was regarded as being quite inadequate to provide protection in the close season next year before any new funds would become available.
For a young man, I must say, the Parliamentary Secretary is in a dangerous hurry.