§ MR. O'SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, What steps have been taken to oblige the owners of Oyster Beds on the Irish Coasts to stock them, as required by the 29 and 30 Victoria, chapter 88, section 3, and by chapter 97, section 14, of the same Statute?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, in all licences granted by the Inspectors of Fisheries for oyster beds there is a provision inserted that the bed shall be properly cultivated within three years from the date of the licence, and with regard to licences granted heretofore, the Inspectors last year held a number of inquiries to ascertain whether the beds were properly cultivated before taking the steps required by the 14th section of 29 & 30 Vict. c. 97, and the 3rd section of 29 & 30 Vict. c. 88, to revoke licences when the licensees had neglected to stock their beds, and it was decided upon to give the licensees another year to do so. Further inquiries will be made during the present year, and the Inspectors will then revoke all licences where, in their opinion, the licensees have not taken the proper steps to form and cultivate their oyster beds.