HC Deb 22 March 1894 vol 22 c866
MR. DODD (Essex, Maldon)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has been informed of the recent collision between fishermen of Tollesbury and those of Burnham, in Essex, who were removing culch from, the public fishing ground, to the great detriment of oyster culture thereon; and whether he is aware that the Crown is the owner of the soil of such ground; and, if so, whether he will advise the putting in force of the Crown rights to protect the public grounds from such depredation in future?

MR. MUNDELLA

I have heard with regret of the collision which has taken place between certain fishermen of Tollesbury and Burnham. It has not, however, as yet been possible to ascertain the full particulars of the occurrence and the precise locality from which the culch is alleged to have been taken, but I am making inquiries.

MR. DODD

Assuming that the Crown is the owner of the soil on these grounds, will the right hon. Gentleman enforce the Crown rights?

MR. MENDELLA

I can say no more till I have the details before me.