§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware 1236 that Mr. Woodhouse visited Inch Strand on 23rd February, 1903, exactly eight tides before ordinary spring tide, and that on that day there was a northerly wind which would also affect the tide; and whether, in view of the number of farmers who depend for the manuring of their crops on the seaweeds thrown on the foreshore, and in view of the litigation on the subject, he will order a public inquiry to decide what is the high-water line.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I have no information that a Mr. Wood-house visited Inch Strand on 23rd February, or any other date. Lieutenant Penfold, of H.M.S. "Collingwood," at the request of the Board of Trade, visited Inch Strand on that date. On that occasion, I am informed there was a strong westerly gale blowing which raised the waters of the bay above the ordinary level. The state of the tide at the time was four days after neaps, aud therefore approximately the period of ordinary tides. I think if the hon. Member will inspect the map referred to in the reply given on 26th March, he will be satisfied that the present line of high-water ordinary tides is made sufficiently clear.†