HC Deb 28 June 1900 vol 84 c1335
MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that gravel is being taken from the foreshore, below high-water mark, at Greystones, county Wicklow, and sold in Liverpool and elsewhere, and that the occupiers of houses situated near the foreshore have protested against the removal of the gravel; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCHIE,) Croydon

I have received a complaint as to gravel having been taken from the shore at Greystones. I am informed, however, that the greater portion of the gravel so taken has been removed from the beach above high-water mark of ordinary tides, and not from the foreshore. At present I have not sufficient evidence of injury to the coast to justify the issue of a prohibitory Order.

MR. FLAVIN

Has any member of the public a right to take gravel from above high-water mark, or is it the private property of the owner of the land?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!