§ MR. FFRENCH (Wexford, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Wexford oyster beds have become almost exhausted, owing to the fact that they have, within recent years, been over-fished by foreign boats, as well as damaged by trawlers; and whether the Board of Agriculture contemplate taking any steps to have these beds relaid and protected.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction are not aware that any foreign boats have, within recent years, fished for oysters on the Wexford beds. Steam trawling is prohibited for a considerable distance off Wexford harbour, and the Department consider that no 825 material damage is done by sailing trawlers on the grounds where oysters exist in any number. The Department do not consider that relaying oyster beds in the open sea is likely to be attended with success.