§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade is he aware that since the Board of Trade declined to prohibit the removal of gravel from the foreshore below high-water mark at Greystones, county Wicklow, English steamers are engaged in taking cargoes of it to Liverpool; whether the gravel is being sold; and, if so, by whom; whether the landlord of the foreshore above high-water mark has consented to the removal of the gravel; and whether the removal of the gravel will endanger the safety of the Wicklow Railway line; and whether he will make an inquiry into the matter.
§ MR. HANBURY (for Mr. RITCHIE)Gravel is to some extent removed from the foreshore below high-water mark at Greystones, but the Board of Trade do not know by whom, or whore it is taken to. I understand that the owner of the beach above high-water mark allows gravel to be removed there from. The safety of the railway line is primarily a matter for the railway company, who have made no complaint on the subject, and at present the Board of Trade see no reason for an inquiry, as suggested by the hon. Member.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORIs it not the duty of the Board of Trade to see to this?
§ MR. HANBURYNo the Board of Trade is not responsible, so I am informed.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Who has control, then, over the removal of the gravel?
§ MR. HANBURYI can only give the answer which has been placed in my hands.