§ Mr. BOLANDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether they have authority over the foreshore in this island of Valentia, county Kerry, and if the Knight of Kerry can charge 6d. per ton for shingle taken from the said foreshore; by what authority the Knight of Kerry enclosed the area over the sea wall, between the pier and breakwater and the public road and foreshore in the island of Valentia, the expenses for the erection of which pier, breakwater, and sea wall the ratepayers of Valentia had to pay a tax of 10d. in the pound for a term of 33 years; and will the Board of Trade take steps to have this obstruction immediately removed?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)The foreshore of the island of Valentia below high-water mark is primâ facie the property of the Crown, and is under the management of the Board of Trade, who do not admit that the Knight of Kerry has any right to charge for materials removed therefrom. I have no information with respect to the enclosure work stated to have been carried out by the Knight of Kerry, but inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have received the necessary information.