§ Mr. O'DONNELLasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), what steps have been taken to assist the fishermen at Spa, Tralee, in marketing their oysters; whether he has any official information showing that these oysters are freer from contamination or pollution of any kind than those of any other part of the Kingdom, and if properly protected and marketed would form a valuable industry for the fishermen of the district; and whether he will have a competent man sent to report as to the best methods of dealing with the matter?
The VICE-PRESIDENT of the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE (Ireland, Mr. T. W. Russell)The Department have on many occasions brought the oysters from the public beds in Tralee Bay to the notice of oyster merchants, and have themselves purchased considerable numbers 1542 for experimental marketing. It appears that under existing size limit regulations these oysters comprise too large a proportion of small oysters to admit of sale at satisfactory prices. The Department have repeatedly advised the fishermen to apply for a public inquiry with a view to the size limit being raised, and understand that they are about to do so. The condition of the Tralee Bay beds in regard to contamination is dealt with in the Report of the Local Government Board for Ireland on Shell-fish layings on the Irish Coast as respects their liability to sewage contamination (Cd. 1900), 1004, pages 25 and 106. A competent bailiff has been employed by the Department for a number of years to protect the beds.
§ Mr. O'DONNELLHas any departmental inspector been sent down to report into the fishing industry. Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI will inquire.