§ SIR WILLIAM PRIESTLEY (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)I beg to ask the President of the Local 738 Government Board whether, in view of the report published last year concerning Oyster Culture in relation to disease, and the diminished consumption of oysters which has resulted therefrom, he proposes to have oyster beds regularly inspected, or to adopt such other measures as will give the public a reasonable assurance that oysters in the market are derived from healthy sources, and not likely to be the cause of disease?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. HENRY CHAPLIN, Lincolnshire, Sleaford)The subject referred to in the Question is one which I admit to be of importance. It presents, however, many difficulties. The inspection of the oyster beds in this country would not in itself secure the result suggested, and the Question has to be considered in connection with oysters imported from abroad as well as those obtained from English beds. Any scheme to be effective would require legislation, but the subject is receiving my careful consideration.
§ SIR W. PRIESTLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in localities where oyster beds and pits had been certified to be contaminated by sewage, any steps will be taken to improve their condition?
§ MR. CHAPLINI am unable to say without notice what steps are or are not to be taken by local authorities.