HC Deb 24 May 1880 vol 252 c316
MR. PEMBERTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been called to the state of the Heme Bay Oyster Fishery; whether it is a fact that the grounds of the fishery have not been cultivated for twelve months; whether the Company have not consequently forfeited their rights under their Act of Parliament; and, whether he will give any instructions to the Inspector of Fisheries to report on the subject?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

Sir, I have recently received from several fishermen and dredgers of Whitstable and its neighbourhood a Memorial complaining of the non-cultivation of the Heme Bay Oyster Fishery. This Memorial has been referred for the observations of the Company who own the fishery, and until I receive their reply I shall not be in a position to consider what course should properly be taken in the matter. The Company, however, do not forfeit their rights until a certificate has been issued by the Board of Trade, after inquiry.