§ SIR JOSEPH DIMSDALE (London)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the War Office Authorities in the year 1899 erected a pier for the landing of troops, ammunition, etc., from the mainland of Burntwick Island, and have refused to the lessee of the Sharfleet (Medway) Fishery any award for damages to the oyster fishery, and for interference with rights and privileges under his lease, he will allow the landlords and lessee to submit their case to a fully-qualified tribunal with a view of securing compensation for their alleged losses.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) In the first place, it is not admitted that any damage was done to the fishery in question by the erection of the pier. In the second place, those concerned have been officially informed that if at any time the Rochester Fishery Board can prove any such damage, the Secretary of State for War will then be prepared to discuss the question of compensation to the board or to persons claiming under them. No representations, however, 561 have been received from the board to this effect since the communication in question.