§ MR. DODD (Essex, Maldon)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that soil is being removed from the bed of the tidal water or sea lying between the Rivers Colne and Blackwater, in Essex, in largo quantities, so as to destroy the value of the oyster fishery to a great extent; if not, whether he will cause inquiry to be made; and whether any steps will be taken, either by putting in force the Crown rights or otherwise, to put a stop to the above practice?
§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S. E.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what the hon. Member calls soil is really culch, which it is absolutely necessary should be removed?
§ MR. MUNDELLAComplaints have been made to me of the manner in which the oyster fishery has been carried on in the waters lying between the rivers Colne and Blackwater in Essex, and the question has been under consideration whether the Committees of Sea Fisheries Districts should not be entrusted with larger powers than they at present possess for regulating by bye-law the fisheries for shell fish within their districts. I propose to confer on this subject with the representatives of the several Committees at the annual meeting to be held at the Board of Trade. I am of opinion that if abuses exist they can most conveniently be dealt with in the manner I have indicated.