§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDETo ask the Secretary to the Treasury when the Irish Government was first requested to remove the wreck of the "Albert" which lies off Blackwater, in the county of Wexford; which of the Irish Departments is responsible for the removal of wrecks; and whether he will consider the advisability of giving compensation to the local fishermen for the injuries done to their fishing gear for several years past by this wreck, which lies directly in the fishing channel.
(Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish.) Under the provisions of The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, it would appear to be the duty of either the harbour or conservancy authorities, or of the general lighthouse authority for the district, and not of the Irish Government, to provide for the removal of the wreck in question.